Neil Young was happy after the Mariners played out a goalless draw against local rivals Southport FC at The Big Help Stadium.
Marine had the largest share of possession and chances throughout the game, but couldn’t find the finishing touch.
The away side started the game the better of the two sides and continued that trend for most of the game, with the Sandgounders only able to create the odd chance here and there from set pieces.
Despite Marine not being able to break the deadlock, Young was pleased with his team’s efforts.
He said: “I thought it was a good performance throughout. In the first half we had some good opportunities, their keeper’s made a few good saves.
“Southport were always going to be dangerous from set pieces and caused a few problems. I thought we plugged that much better second half when we’ve thrown bigger lads on.
“We had a shape, the way we wanted to play and I thought the lads carried it out really well.”
However, the Marine manager urged his players to play with more confidence in attacking positions.
He said: “I think in the final third they’ve just got to believe in themselves a little bit more, not so much with their shots, more so with picking the right pass.”
Young was forced to make three changes to the starting 11 for this Merseyside derby after midweek injuries, but he was pleased with how his players acquitted themselves.
He said: “That’s why we’ve got a squad of players and I’ve said all along these lads will come in and give everything they’ve got. They’ve done that again today.
“The injuries will always cause us problems. Krisi’s [Montgomery] been outstanding for us, as has Tom [Atcheson] so there’s two big ones. Joe Mattock, experienced, again he’s a big player for us.
“But it’s about giving lads opportunities. James Butler’s come in, done really well. Matty Waters has come in and took his chance really well, as have other lads. So the main thing from my perspective is we’ve given a good account of ourselves away from home in a local derby.”
Marine will now look ahead to Thursday as they face Lower Breck FC away from home in the Liverpool Senior Cup.
