Mablethorpe thrash Louth to book semi-final spot

It was a wet and windy afternoon on the east coast with a pitch which resembled a cow’s field.

But the home side made the most of some early possession when Danny Marshall latched on to a through ball and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper.

Marshall then added his second of the game shortly before half-time.

AFC Louth came out of the blocks fast for the second half and won a free-kick on the edge of the box. Stand-in keeper Toby Davis was forced into a good save, but AFC were quicker to the second ball and tapped home to make it 2-1.

Less then five minutes later Mabo were awarded a penalty when the returning Callum Hyland was bundled over. Marshall converted for his hat-trick. Mablethorpe continued to press for further goals as Mitch Whiley broke through one-on-one with the keeper after yet again getting the better of the full-back and slotted past the keeper for a thoroughly deserved goal.

The icing on the cake came moments later when man-of-the-match Marshall added his fourth, again showing great composure in front of goal.

Manager Mick Stubbs said: “It was great performance from everybody. The pitch was heavy and tiring, but we made use of every blade of grass.

“It was a solid first half with the wind advantage and we deserved to be in front at half-time.

“Louth hit back in the second half but we worked very hard collectively and restricted them to half-chances.

Danny’s four goals were great for him, but this wasn’t a one-man show. We were very solid at the back, the midfield kept breaking them down and we used the ball well to counter.”

Athletic: Davis, Sirett (c), Carter, J. Marshall, Brownson, Whiley, Quinn, Hyland, Thomas, Mail, D. Marshall.