Stockport 2 Grimsby 1

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 24/01/2006

GRIMSBY once again capitulated to struggling Stockport, as the Cheshire club came from behind to record an unlikely double against Russell Slade's side - who have distinctly started to wobble in the last few games.

County started without star striker Germaine Easter, who looks like joining Wycombe before the end of the January transfer window. Russell Slade recalled veteran John McDermott at right back, with Gary Croft switching to the left side of defence in place of Tom Newey. Gary Cohen returned to the side to partner Michael Reddy up front in place of the injured Gary Jones.

The two clubs both had chances in an entertaining first half with the Mariners going closest early on when Michael Reddy pulled the ball back to Gary Cohen, whose diving header hit the post.

Ben Futcher conceded a free kick just outside the box, for which he was booked, and Mildenhall managed to tip the ball over for a corner.

Straight after the break a touch of class saw Town draw first blood. With Cohen in an offside position, Reddy had to do it on his own, and somehow manoeuvred his way around four players, turned and volleyed the ball past the 'keeper. It was a trademark goal for the Irishman to take Reddy into double figures for the season.

Gary Cohen had a great chance to add a second, but his left foot shot sailed inches wide of the post.

Then, as they did on Saturday, Town allowed County back into the game. A misplaced Macca backpass almost led to a goal, but Bramble - with the goal at his mercy - somehow tripped over the ball and was taken off injured as a result. It was a slapstick moment, but ironically proved to be the turning point because 19-year-old Adam Le Fondre replaced the hapless Bramble.

Shortly afterwards poor defending saw a mis-hit County ball fail to be cleared as it ran across the Town box, allowing the unmarked Le Fondre to drill in a low shot past Mildenhall.

The goal gave Stockport the impetus they needed, and the comeback was complete when a long ball fell once again to Le Fondre, who lifted it over Town's 'keeper.

Grimsby pressed forward in injury time but their best effort, a powerful Ben Futcher strike, was straight at the 'keeper.

It ended almost a carbon copy of the game between the two sides at Blundell Park in September, when County came from behind to beat the Mariners 3-1.

Town once again missed the chance to go top and now need to reverse the dip in form since the New Year starting with the next game at home to Peterborough.

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