Grimsby Town 0 Rotherham 2

By: Richard Lord
Date: 05/10/2001

GRIMSBY TOWN tonight became Rotherham's first victims of the campaign after a crowd of 6,662 saw the home side lose to the bottom-of-the-table club 2-0. Two goals from Mark Robins helped secure their first win of the season and meant manager Ronnie Moore could travel back to Yorkshire clean-shaven.

The Miller's boss promised not to shave until his side won a match, and just two games into that run his side produced the goods at Blundell Park.

Grimsby entered the game on poor form and without a win in five matches. Rotherham had only gained one point away from home all season.

Grimsby lined up with Croudson in goal and Ermes on the bench, with the rest of the squad the same as that what started the Bradford game last Saturday. Michael Boulding remained on the bench. Rotherham's new-signing John Mullin failed to make the squad.

Bradley Allen got things going with a quick turn and shot early in the game. Rotherham looked lively on the break and caused some problems down the wings.

The Mariners' nervousness at Rotherham's direct approach play was exposed in the 26th minute after Sedgwick's purposeful run created an easy chance at the far post for the Miller's top scorer Mark Robins (left), who poked home from two yards.

As half time approached the visitors began to control the game with the home fans becoming increasingly frustrated. Grimsby failed to create a clear-cut chance and failed to even get into Rotherham's penalty box.

At half time Beharall was brought off for Marlon Broomes in a straight swap.

But the home side began the second half with a much-improved performance. Full-backs Butterfield and Gallimore advanced into more attacking roles on the wing and some neat interplay created one or two half-chances although Town still struggled to find an opening.

Then on 66 minutes the away side looked to have secured their first elusive win of the season. A monumental blunder at the back by Grimsby let in Lee who advanced on goal before squaring the ball across for Robins who was left with another simple finish, this time rebounding in off the post.

The home crowd chanted for the appearance of Michael Boulding, and their cheers were rewarded with his introduction minutes later. The speedy striker looked threatening out wide but he was contained well by a strong Rotherham defence.

Miller's keeper Mike Pollitt hadn't had a shot to save all game as his outfield team mates kept possession in the last few minutes of the game, much to the frustration of Lennie Lawrence and his team.

Grimsby looked all but beaten and they were put out of their misery when the referee blew for full time after three minutes of added-on time.

The Mariner's inability to create any clear-cut chances was their downfall tonight, this despite Lawrence fielding three strikers. However Ronnie Moore will travel back tonight with a wry smile across his face.

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