MARINE’S unbeaten run has finally come to a halt after a below-par performance against a clinical Ilkeston Town in the Unibond Premier Division.

An Amari Morgan-Smith double was ultimately the difference between the two sides as the Mariners were sent to their first defeat of the campaign.

In an evenly contested first 20 minutes the first goal could have gone to either side – unfortunately it went to the visitors.

A controversial decision led to a free kick on the edge of the Marine area, which Morgan-Smith superbly converted.

The Crosby outfit could not muster a response and the second goal of the match, two minutes into the second half, was the killer blow.

Lee Thompson was allowed to cross from the right and find Morgan-Smith, who got the better of Lee Williams to volley past Sean Lake.

The rest of the match was dominated by Marine but without any cutting edge. Manager Alvin McDonald will look for a refreshed performance in tonight’s game with Ashton United.