Marine secured all three points with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Spalding United on a wet and windy afternoon at the Marine Travel Arena.
A crowd of 1,405 watched a game that was tight for long periods before Ben Darby broke the deadlock in the 66th minute.
There was plenty of colour around the ground before kick-off. The players were welcomed onto the pitch by mascots forming a ring and waving flags, while many supporters watched from the terraces with pints in hand.
The weather soon became part of the afternoon too. Heavy rain arrived during the first half, sending supporters in the uncovered areas scrambling for shelter.
On the pitch, there was little between the teams during the opening stages. Both sides were compact, with neither able to create a clear opportunity in the opening 20 minutes.
Marine produced the first real chance after 25 minutes.
Charlie Jolley found space inside the Spalding penalty area and hit a powerful effort towards goal, but goalkeeper Peter Crook produced an excellent save to keep him out.
Seconds later, Jolley was brought down, with a Spalding player receiving a yellow card.
The visitors then had a big opportunity of their own four minutes later.
A defensive mix-up left Spalding captain Connor Johnson with a one-on-one against Marine goalkeeper Jack McIntyre. Instead of taking an early shot, Johnson attempted to go around the goalkeeper.
That hesitation allowed Isaac Abankwah to recover and stop the attack.
Marine were forced into a change before half-time when George Newell suffered an injury. He was replaced by George Kattan in the 39th minute.
The teams went into the break goalless after a first half in which clear chances had been difficult to find.
Marine step up after the break
The hosts returned for the second half with greater attacking intent.
Marine began asking more questions of the Spalding defence, although Crook continued to stand firm in goal.
Abankwah, who worked tirelessly at full-back throughout the afternoon, joined the attack in the 53rd minute. He met a cross from the left with a header, but his effort lacked the power to seriously trouble Crook.
The growing pressure eventually paid off in the 66th minute.
Darby collected the ball inside the penalty area and struck towards goal. His effort appeared to take a slight deflection before finding the net, sparking loud celebrations among the home support.
Marine continued to look the more threatening side.
Darby almost added a second in the 84th minute with another well-struck effort, but Crook was alert again and parried the ball away.
Spalding continued searching for a way back into the game, with captain Johnson putting in a committed performance, but Marine remained organised and saw out three minutes of added time.
It was a cagey contest overall, but Marine's stronger second-half display gave them the edge.
Abankwah was particularly impressive with his work at both ends of the pitch, while Darby ultimately provided the moment that mattered.
On a cold, wet and windy afternoon in Crosby, a solitary goal was enough to extend the Mariners’ unbeaten run to six games.
