Matsunaga brace sees Marine up to new high

From the archive, first published Tuesday 25th Oct 2005.

Swindon Supermarine produced probably their most accomplished performance of the season overpowering Beaconsfield 3-1, writes LEIGH MOORE.

The win sees Supermarine move up to third in the league the highest ever position in their history.

Manager Mark Collier made the bold decision to drop his front three of Ricky Hulbert, Mitch Wyatt and Lance Lewis and replace them with fit-again Matt Pratley, Dave Pratt and Ryo Matsunaga.

This move proved to be an inspired one with Matsunaga bagging a brace and Pratley notching his 10th goal of the season.

Jeremy Newton gained his first start of the season on the left of midfield and gave Marine real impetus with his speed and delivery.

It was Newton who carved out the first chance of the game, passing his man and whipping in a cross that Pratley turned goalwards only to see edge wide.

The home side very rarely tested Tom King with their best chances coming from free-kicks.

The first goal came just after the half hour mark, Pratley continuing where he left off after injury.

Matsunaga got up well to win a header with the ball falling to the keeper Chris Tasker.

However, Tasker failed to hold under no pressure dropping the ball at the feet of the grateful Pratley who made no mistake from five yards.

The second came just five minutes later. A long ball from the back was missed by the Beaconsfield centre half and Matsunaga took full advantage, latching on to the loose ball and finishing coolly.

Marine could have gone on to embarrass their hosts but they couldn't find the back of the net. When they finally did, Pratley's close range strike was ruled out by a dubious offside flag.

The third goal arrived five minutes from time. A neatly controlled lay off from Pratley was beautifully crossed in by Newton, and Matsunaga rose above all to guide the ball home with a glancing header.

Beaconsfield did get on the scoresheet in stoppage time, with Gavin Mernagh finishing from close range.

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