Pouton Returns

By: Martin Copass
Date: 30/01/2002

A SLIGHTLY larger than usual crowd turned up to watch Alan Pouton make his return to action for Town’s reserves against Lincoln's second string this afternoon. Only four of Town’s team had no first team experience, so it was a strong line up that took to the field.

John McDermott and Jonathan Rowan also continued their progress towards first team availability. Chris Thompson was lining up to play in midfield, with Jeffery and Allen continuing up front as they had last week. There was no sign of Paul Crager the trialist from Middlesboro who had played in the last two games. Morgan Cranley was given the chance to show what he could do in goal, so this meant that there was no substitute keeper on the bench.

There were very few chances for either side in the first half, with both defences really getting the upper hand. Chances were really restricted to long-range efforts although a mix up between Town keeper Cranley and his defence left to Lincoln being presented with an easy chance to open the scoring after 26 minutes.

Alan Pouton had been having a busy game, and it looked like he had never been away, although he did find his way into the referees note book after just 14 minutes for one of his trade mark tackles. Despite this, it did not deter him from playing his normal game as he played out the full first 45 minutes.

Chances continued to be few and far between, but Lincoln came close on two occasions in a minute just before half time, but they failed to take either chance. David Morgan became the second Town player to be given the yellow card just before the break.

During the break, Pouton came out minus football boots to warm down, as he was not to take any further part in the game. When the teams came out, Jonathan Rowan had taken his place and he went to play on the right. After 52 minutes, Town leveled the score, when Cochrane when pressured by Allen diverted a cross from Jeffery into his own net. Lincoln had two players booked in the space of five minutes shortly after, one of them being ex Mariner Adam Buckley, much to the delight of some of the fans.

Just after the hour mark, Gary Moran replaced John McDermott and McDermott straight set about his warming down exercises. As in the first half, there were few real chances although both sides had a chance to steal the game right at the end.

Firstly Jeffery shot across the goal when Allen was left unmarked and he was clearly unhappy at the missed chance. But it was Lincoln who should have stolen all three points. Savic beat Town’s offside trap to leave him with only keeper Cranley to beat. He rounded the keeper but with plenty of time he managed to hit the post with the goal at his mercy.

A draw was a fair result as neither side looked really capable of finding the winning goal without capitalising on defensive errors.

It was good to see Rowan, McDermott and Pouton playing again, hopefully they will soon be back in the first team squad. Morgan Cranley had a nervous game, but I am sure he will improve after a little more experience.

Present at the game was Scunthorpe and ex Town manager Brian Laws and also Dave Worthington the ex Town player who I believe still does scouting work. Who they were interested in was a mystery, but with Town making cutbacks, don't rule out the possibility it could have been one of our players.

Town: Cranley, McDermott (Moran), Smith, Pouton (Rowan), Chapman, Morgan, Thompson, Bolder, Allen, Jeffery, Hockless
Subs not used: Downes, Kirwin, Mansaram

Add To Facebook

This site is by the fans, for the fans, and we will consider articles on any subject relating to the Mariners whether it be related to current news, a nostalgic look back in the past, a story about a player, a game or games in the past, something about Blundell Park or football in general. Click here to submit your article!

Related Stories

• Macca Returns
• Robert Taylor Battling To Be Fit For Saturday
• Treatment Room Empty As Players Return To Fitness
• More Stories