Grimsby 0-2 Hartlepool

By: Richard Lord
Date: 21/03/2004

GRIMSBY slipped closer to the relegation zone this afternoon as Hartlepool ran out comfortable 2-0 winners at Blundell Park. The visitors completed the 'double' over the Mariners this season, and have scored ten goals to boot.

Nicky Law made one change to the side that battled so valiantly at Swindon in midweek. John Thorrington dropped to the bench and was replaced by Stacy Coldicott, with Campbell playing out wide.

Not one of Town's starting back five today played any part in the 8-1 debacle at Hartlepool earlier this season.

It was a day when the elements meant anything could happen. A strong wind was surging in from between the Pontoon and John Smiths stand but this offered no excuse for Town's poor display.

Despite an encouraging opening five minutes, where much of the game was played out in the Hartlepool half, Town lost their grip and allowed the visitors to apply pressure.

They took the lead after 29 minutes when Boyd tucked the ball home past Fettis, with Greg Young unlucky not to clear off the line.

It was a deserved lead for 'Pool, and they continued to control the game up until half time. Only fleeting attacks from Jevons down the left gave Grimsby any hope of an equaliser, but more often than not the move would break down.

Law made a double substitution during the break. Jonny Rowan was replaced by new boy Antoine-Curier and Jason Crowe came on for Mike Edwards.

The change brought about little effect. Although the Mariners had more of the wind behind them in the second half, they failed to take advantage. Provett in the Hartlepool goal didn't have a save to make.

The visitors wrapped up the game in the final few minutes of normal time when a short corner routine exposed the Mariners' defence, and Fettis only managed to parry the cross into the path of Boyd, who tucked home from close range.

Brentford, Oldham and Stockport all won, and with Notts County, Chesterfield, Peterborough and Tranmere all picking up one point, it leaves Grimsby in 20th place and just a point off the relegation zone.

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