Goal Drought Continues

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 26/12/2025

GRIMSBY and Oldham fought out a stalemate in the Boxing Day Game at Blundell Park. Both teams had chances to win the game, in which Grimsby had more possession but fewer shots on target. The result means Town have now gone nine league games without a win.

Grimsby have also been three games without scoring, and it's hard to see where the next goal is coming from.

Artell made three changes from the side that lost at Bromley. Sweeney, Burns and Turi replaced Lavelle, Walker and Amaluzor.

The match got off to a pulsating start with Oldham almost scoring in the first minute, when a fierce shot by Hammond forced a good save from Smith, but the midfielder should have done better, and Town were lucky to get away with it. Within minutes, Green had the ball in the net from a Rodgers chip, but it was ruled offside in what must have been a close call. The game was never to really live up to its start between the two sides, who both really needed three points to pull themselves up to the promotion picture.

Smith was in action again to deny a Garner potshot on goal, whereas at the other end, Kabia and Sweeney combined, with the left back firing a cross which flew across the box, but nobody could get the required touch. Town's first shot on target came from a Vernam strike off balance, which Hudson was equal to.

No Grimsby game would be complete without the customary gifts to the opposition, and Tharme presented Mellon with a festive present, but the striker failed to make the most of the season for gifts, with the cheer coming from the home supporters.

The first half ended, having seen an enormous number of throw-ins and not a lot of play.

Kabia fired into the side netting following a chance from a Grimsby corner, then Oldham's dangerman Mellon was forced off injured. His replacement, Harratt, though, came close to scoring, but Smith made a good block. Vermam then saw action at both ends, his shot being stopped with some last-gasp defending, and then the winger made a brilliant goalline clearance to keep Town's clean sheet intact.

Man of the match Vernam almost saw Town win late on when a perfect cross saw Amaluzor somehow head wide from point-blank range.

Town ended the game strongly but could not get the ball in the net and had to settle for a point.

Grimsby created better chances but failed to take advantage of their openings. The defensive mistakes were still there, but Smith is a better keeper than Pym and makes Town a tougher nut to crack. The goals have really dried up, though, and the free scoring of the autumn has become a distant memory. Grimsby need more firepower, and fans will be hoping for new signings in the window.

The Mariners have a final chance to end 2025 on a high when they face Shrewsbury on Monday evening at BP.

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