Sol Solomon’s double moved Marine up to sixth thanks to their 2-0 win over Whitby Town.
The former Jersey Bulls striker opened his account for the Mariners before his deflected second-half effort sealed the points.
Their win extended the unbeaten run to six in all competitions and moved them to within a point of the playoff places.
Whitby have struggled so far this season and had a change of manager last month as Nathan Haslam took full control following the resignation of joint-manager Lee Bullock.
But they went into their trip to Merseyside on the back of two wins from last four and it was the Seasiders who threatened in the early exchanges.
Jordan Lussey produced a goal-saving challenge after Harry Green was set through on goal before beating James Barrigan and then rounding Bayleigh Passant.
Malik Dijksteel then squandered a golden opportunity inside the Marine box. He rode three challenges before forcing the hosts’ shot-stopper to parry, the attacker was on hand to meet the rebound but blazed his strike over.
Marine eventually shook off their slow start with Mark Howarth firing over the bar after he was found at the post by Jack Dunn.
Shortly before the break, the deadlock was broken. Charley Doyle and Solomon combined as the latter sprung the offside trap and fired through the legs of Shane Bland.
It was very nearly two as Dunn was allowed acres of space inside the visitors half, he unleashed a stinging effort forcing the 28-year-old to tip over.
Bland was again there to deny Solomon, early in the second half, after the former Tranmere Rovers playmaker’s miskick proved to be an incisive pass for the goalscorer.
A minute after the hour mark, Marine doubled their lead through Solomon who saw his effort from outside the box deflect into the back of the net.
Whitby pushed for a goal late on with Jacob Day failing to steer his header goalwards from six yards. A contentious moment came with five minutes remaining as Harvey Tomlinson’s free-kick rattled the underside of the bar before bouncing out.
The referee let play continue despite the on-loan attacker’s protests that the ball had crossed the line.
Marine saw the game out and claimed the points moving them a point behind Stafford Rangers – who currently occupy the final playoff position in the Northern Premier League.
Match Stats:
Marine 2-0 Whitby Town
Goals: 40′, 61′ Sol Solomon
HT/FT Score: 1-0/2-0
