Unexpected Goals

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 25/02/2024

GRIMSBY returned from Morecambe with an unexpected point following recent poor results and several players unavailable going into the game.

Town got off to the perfect start with an early Rose goal, then conceded early in the second. Both teams could have won the game but Grimsby held on for a valuable point.

David Artell made four changes from the defeat to Doncaster. Obikwu, Mullarkey, Rodgers and Holohan came into the side with Smith, Maher, Vernam and Eisa missing out. Artell also changed formation with three centre-backs and Clifton and Hume as wing-backs.

The early came from a good move, with Holohan passing to Clifton who played a quick ball for Rose to slot home. The match continued with Town showing more aggression and controlling the game's pace, despite Morecambe's attempts to counteract. Good defending from both teams prevented further goals in the first half, with Town narrowly missing additional scoring opportunities and maintaining their lead into the break.

The second half saw Morecambe intensify their efforts, which paid off when Slew scored a tap-in shortly after the break after a cross from the right eluded Cartwright. Town did not back down; they continued to push forward, seeking to regain their lead. The game became more contested, with both teams creating chances but failing to capitalise, due to a combination of solid defensive play and missed opportunities.

Both sides had good chances to win the game in the closing stages. A looping cross from the left beat Cartwright, hit the bar and rebounded into the path of Hiwula whose snatched shot went well wide. Town then should have secured the points when a quick break resulted in Eisa firing the ball along the line, and Holohan managed to miss a close-range effort when it looked easier to score.

The game was a tale of two halves, with Town on top in the first and Morecambe responding post-interval. Town at least looked stronger defensively with the new shape. Whether that continues against Forest Green at the weekend in the relegation six-pointer is a big decision David Artell has to make. Many expected him to be gone by now, but credit is due to him for putting together a makeshift side and gaining a valuable point against good opposition.

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