The Sweeney

By: Lord Sommet
Date: 19/12/2009

BLUNDELL Park was the setting for one of the coldest fixtures most would have been to in recent times with temperatures reaching up to - well to be honest I don't know, I was wearing that many layers of clothes I couldn't move my hands to check my phone app that tells the temperature.

With Morecambe being the in-form team a lot were happy to settle for a draw according to one thread on the fishy, while most on the prediction competition had Morecambe for a win. While most if not the majority were happy with the performance, passion and determination showed by Town they will probably be disappointed with only a point and not the much deserved three.

Grimsby made one change from Shrewsbury with Olly Lancashire being replaced by Nicky Featherstone. Linwood started in the centre of the defence and Bore reverted back to his now-usual position at right back with Featherstone moving to the right wing position.

Morecambe team news was Jevons started up front looking for another goal against his former team who are currently hoping to help him and GTFC win the League Cup Moment for the past 50 years.

Town started the first half in full control on the snow-covered pitch and had some half chances but the best chance came half way through the half when Coulson was fouled outside of the box and Sweeney stepped up to take the free kick which was pushed wide of the post by Loche, who was inform and had the odd bit of luck against the goal shy Mariners' strikers.

The Pontoon atmosphere was quiet on the right given the left were singing songs created on the supporters coach over the last few away games so most not knowing the words it was quiet until the occasional MAR-IN-ERSSSS could be heard at Town's corners and even in play a few times!

Morecambe were finding the Mariners very difficult to deal with, much to the pleasure of the 3074 Town faithful, and that annoyance was soon shown when Sweeney was taken down in a very harsh challenge and while down stood on. While the referee missed this a lot of the Pontoon saw it and was not pleased about the clear sending-off challenge. Sweeney required treatment and was off the pitch for several minutes before returning..

It wasn't until about the 40th minute when Morecambe had their first real chance which Mullin headed wide from a corner, no difficulty for Town to deal with for a change.

The sides went into the break level at HT which Town firmly on top. I've defrosted since so yes I do mean they were on top. I haven't got brain freeze which is causing confusion Town were on top!

Grimsby started more strongly in the second half and could have been 1-0 up quite soon after the break when Peter Bore found space to run at the defence instead of passing to Featherstone who put the ball in, for it to be headed out for a corner. From the resulting corner the Morecambe 'keeper (who was having a great game) made a fine save pushing the ball over from an Atkinson header.

Morecambe were soon finding their feet at long last and on the hour mark made their first real chance count, a corner was whipped in from someone or other and Town's defence messed around in the box. With Colgan failing to come and claim the ball it gave Mullin the opportunity to shoot low and get the ball into the back of the net. Much to the delight of the travelling 45 Morecambe Santa Army. Grimsby 0 Morecambe 1.

Usually in the past this season the Mariners would drop their heads and go on and concede another and another before we woke up, luckily we were already awake and a loud "I'm Grimsby till I die" and a "MAR-IN-ERSSS" chant from the Pontoon certainly woke up those asleep and Grimsby restarted play and went straight on the attack with Leary having a shot saved.

Ultimately the long pro-longed attacking style of play got a much deserved equaliser from Town after only 7 minutes after falling behind.

Sweeney picked up a half-hearted clearance from the Morecambe defender controlling the ball and smashed the ball into the top corner. It seemed to take so long to go into the back of the net I thought it was going over. I remember looking at my mate who I was stood with who was also in total shock and just saying "what a insert swear word goal" and then going crazy with the rest of the delighted Pontoon.

The whole of the Pontoon then got behind the boys on a freezing night hoping to get another and get a much deserved three points, but it wasn't to be.

Town played out the last 20 mins of the game with them having a few chances from Proudlock who continues to show signs that given a few games his match fitness is nearly there and he will get some much needed goals for us.

On the plus side Nathan Jarman made an appearance and showed that passion and commitment most know Jarmo for showing good times are just around the corner.

Last night leaving the Pontoon people were happy and talking about 'that' goal from Sweeney I don't believe I heard one negative comment which is probably the first time for years! Today I feel that Town dropped two points last night, but you know what I'm extremely happy with the one point and more importantly the passion, commitment and pride shown by the 13 players (two subs included) who put on that GTFC shirt and played for themselves, the club and us the fans.

Play-offs anyone?

Men of the Match

Roche for Morecambe - the 'keeper had a stunning game making some fine saves to keep Morecambe in it, even having a bit of luck from his ankle to keep the scores level.

Sweeney for Grimsby and the overall winner. A magnificent goal and he just continues to improve and boss the midfield about which is something for too long we have missed. Is Sweeney turning into a GTFC legend already?

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