Northampton 0 Grimsby 1

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 08/10/2004

AFTER a nineteen match run without an away win, two weeks ago Town finally broke their duck at Cambridge. Tonight, like the proverbial bus, another away win came Grimsby's way with a superb 1-0 victory at Northampton.

Russell Slade rested Ashley Sestanovich, who had been suffering with flu all week, which allowed new signing Colin Cramb to start his first league game up front for the Mariners. John McDermott was dropped in favour of midfielder Stacy Coldicott, as Grimsby reverted to a more defensive 4-3-3 formation.

In an entertaining but closely fought first half Grimsby went closest to scoring when a turn and shot by Colin Cramb early in the game produced a good save from the Cobblers 'keeper.

After the break Town absorbed a lot of pressure, but it was again they who looked closest to taking the lead as the Cobblers failed to carve out a clear-cut opportunity on goal. Substitute Sestanovich hit the bar after being set up by Cramb in the best chance of the game.

As the game looked like heading for a 0-0 draw it was Town's turn to benefit from a late goal. A Thomas Pinault free kick fell to the experienced full back Dean Gordon, whose diving header went like a bullet into the back of the net.

Town's defensive back four restricted the Cobblers to only a handful of chances all game with Anthony Williams in the Grimsby goal keeping another clean sheet, without having to make a save. Grimsby can also take comfort from taking one of the few chances in the game that came their way, rather than squandering a hatful, as in other away games this season.

Town's achievement is underlined by the fact that Northampton had previously been unbeaten at home, and on paper are one of the strongest sides in the division. Grimsby have now gone four league games unbeaten, three of which have been wins, all of which they also kept a clean sheet in.

A full report will appear later.

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