Grimsby 1-0 QPR

By: Richard Lord
Date: 08/11/2003

MICHAEL Boulding's strike ten minutes from time secured Grimsby's first win in the FA Cup since 1999 as they beat QPR 1-0 at Blundell Park this afternoon.

Boulding's tenth goal of the season proved to be the goal that won it, although the Mariners should have had things wrapped up by half time.

Marcel Cas was dropped from the side, with Groves deciding to go with Jason Crowe in midfield and moving Campbell to the right.

Tony Crane and Darren Barnard also made returns to the side. Paul Groves named himself on the bench but there was no place for David Soames.

Town dominated the first half, with Onuora hitting the bar and Boulding and Crowe drawing saves from Rangers' keeper Chris Day.

The home side could have had a penalty when Onuora was charged down from behind in the box, but the referee overlooked the situation.

Then Crane got involved in a tangle and was lucky to receive just a yellow card after he appeared to push out at his opponent.

Davison wasn't tested and it was the midfield terrier Crowe who was charging things down and making things happen.

Town won a number of corners towards the end of the half as they looked to make their pressure tell, with Crane seeing his header tipped over.

In the second half and with the wind behind them, the visitors made a game of it, having been lucky to get through to half time at 0-0.

Still Town were creating chances and it was Iain Anderson who rattled the bar from an acute angle following a foul on Boulding just outside the area.

Thorpe and Gallen were giving Town's defensive pairing of Crane and Edwards much to think about, with the former making a number of vital interceptions.

Tony Thorpe had two good opportunities to open the scoring but was caught offside each time.

As the game headed towards its conclusion, Onuora headed down for Boulding, who chested the ball off before striking the ball past Day to put Town 1-0 up.

It was nothing more than the Mariners deserved, following their domination of the first half, and their effort and commitment in the second.

QPR pressed in the game's final stages but couldn't force an equaliser - nor could they get anywhere near Davison in goal.

For Town the result will bring obvious financial rewards, and Groves will be hoping for a home tie in the second round, which is going to be drawn live on BBC1 tomorrow at 3pm.

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