Nantwich Town 4
Marine 1
League (NPL Premier Division)

Match Report

A hat-trick from Sean Cooke helped Nantwich Town to a comfortable 4-1 victory against Marine at the Weaver Stadium.

The Dabbers were off to a flying start with a first-minute header from Joel Stair putting them ahead. Rising highest to convert a cleverly flighted corner from Cooke, the central defender put Nantwich firmly in the driving seat.

The same combination and routine almost doubled the lead just 10 minutes later. But Jones, however, when presented with the opportunity, could only put his header over the bar.

A brilliant training ground set piece routine presented the next Nantwich chance, which followed a foul on Peers on the edge of the penalty area.

Some quick-thinking from Cooke helped set up Matt Bell who could only sting the hands of Callum Hare from the edge of the penalty area.

After making three smart saves during a dominant 15-minute spell from the hosts, a rush of blood from Hare would see his side fall further behind. He brought down Joe Mwasile in the area and Cooke (pictured) made no mistake in doubling the lead from the penalty spot.

And the lead became 3-0 after 30 minutes. Abadaki picked up the ball 30 yards from goal, and after a powerful run his smart cross found Cooke at the far post to tap home.

Marine returned after the half time break a lot stronger and reduced the deficit just seven minutes into the second half. Zac Thompson appeared at the far post to offer his side a route back into the contest.

Having seen a penalty appeal waved away by referee James Oldham, Marine continued to push. Right-back Peter Wylie’s came closest – his long-range drive flying just only inches past Kristian Burzynski’s left-hand post.

But it was Cooke who restored the three-goal advantage and completed his hat-trick. The crowd just watched and anticipated as he curled home a free-kick brilliantly into the top corner.

Former Crewe Alexandra youngster Cooke has now scored five goals in his last two games.

Match report written by Stephen Dale (www.nantwichtownfc.co.uk)