Non League

EXCLUSIVE With an esteemed Scottish Premier League and English Football League career behind him, Marine defender David Raven has been one of the driving forces behind the club’s success over the past two seasons. In a youthful side, Raven brings a plethora of experiences that make him one of the side's real leaders, having played professional football for 14 years before stepping into non league.

“There is an aura of confidence around the squad at present," says Marine skipper Niall Cummins. "Not that we think we are superior to any opposition, but simply that we trust each other to give 100% for each other.”

The draw for the First Round Proper has taken place with three local teams still in the competition and dreaming of that visit to Wembley. The Mariners will host Dunston after they defeated South Shields on penalties at the Marine Travel Arena.

Marine host an in-form Trafford tomorrow (November 2) and hope to extend their incredible league form. The home side sit third just four points off top of the league table whilst still having two games in hand.

October is Black History Month, which recognises the history and achievements of people from African or Caribbean heritages, and to educate people about the effects of racism. Marine FC defender Josh Solomon-Davies was born in St Lucia in the Caribbean before moving to Birkenhead aged just seven.

Bootle FC advanced in the FA Trophy after knocking out Widnes FC in a penalty shootout. Bootle produced a mirror image result to progress after edging out Trafford on penalties in the previous FA Trophy qualifying round.

Skelmersdale United missed an opportunity to move within three points of leaders Macclesfield after struggling Winsford left it late to come from behind. In the early exchanges, the Blueboys showed signs of the quality that had launched them to second in the league with winger Elliot Morris drawing an excellent save out of Ryan Hamer from an audacious long-range effort.

The football community on the Wirral has rallied to help raise funds for repairs and replacements after a suspected arson left Victoria Colts Juniors FC with an estimated £6,000 of damage. 

Southport will be hoping for a first win this season as they host Darlington tomorrow (Oct 26) in the club’s first home game in the league since September 4. The Yellows’ form this season due to home postponements, has never really got going.

Prescot Cables were beaten 2-1 today at home by the travelling 1874 Northwich. After tasting defeat last week on their trip to Bootle, Cables were hoping to get back to winning ways on home turf.