Up The Duff Pops Up!

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 08/02/2012

GRIMSBY came from behind to beat Bath City in the FA Trophy at Twerton Park last night. Trailing by a first half goal caused by a defensive mistake, the Mariners dug deep and Elding equalised early in the second half, fittingly celebrating his recent contract extension.

With a replay looking on the cards an inspired substitution saw Rob Duffy come off the bench for top scorer Liam Hearn and score the winner within seconds of coming on.

The result sees Town go through to the last eight where they will face either Saturday's opponents York City or Ebbsfleet United at Blundell Park. Should they get through that match Town will be just one game away from Wembley.

Grimsby started with their strongest XI, the only change being Pearson replacing the cup-tied Miller at centre back.

Town missed two early chances for Coulson and Elding, but went behind when Silk made a defensive mistake and Chris Shephard scored with a deflected goal.

Bath 'keeper Garner (no relation) then saved well to deny Liam Hearn, but that was Town's best chance and the first half ended 1-0.

Town equalised when Elding got on the end of an Artus cross and headed it past Garner. The goal also took out an opposition player as Bath's Simpson collided with the 'keeper and was soon taken off after several minutes treatment

Town then cleared a Rollo header off the line as Bath went close.

Rob Duffy came on for Hearn and almost immediately scored when Elding flicked on a Townsend cross and Duffy volleyed it in.

Town had a chance to score midway through 5 minutes of injury time. Then McKeown had to make a great save with a minute remaining to ensure the Mariners went through.

It was probably Town's least convincing performance of the three games against Bath this season, but the winning habit Town have acquired of late saw them over the line. The Mariners now face York on Saturday for a possible rehearsal of the FA Trophy quarter final.

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