Town Back on Track

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 04/04/2013

GRIMSBY took a giant leap towards securing a play-off place with a victory over Macclesfield at Moss Rose last night. Town took an early lead in the rearranged game before the home side equalised. Two goals in the second half were enough for Grimsby to finish comfortable victors.

Thomas, Artus and Taylor all came into the team having been rested in the previous match at Stockport. Liam Hearn was on the bench, another milestone in his comeback from injury.

Macclesfield had most of the early chances but Andy Cook gave Grimsby the lead on 13 minutes when he headed a Taylor cross which looped over the 'keeper.

Town got a warning on 20 mins when Fairhurst blasted a shot which hit the post. Six minutes later Macclesfield scored a deserved equaliser when Pablo Mills drove the ball home in a crowded box after the initial effort was saved by McKeown.

Shortly afterwards another of ex-Mariner Peter Winn's in-swinging corners led to a shot being cleared off the line by Thomas.

It was then Town's turn to score from a corner following a rare attack. Pearson rose to head an Artus corner under the 'keeper's reach on 37 mins.

HT: 2-1 Grimsby. Town had less chances than Macc, who have had Grimsby under the cosh for long periods.

Midway through the second half Hannah gave way to Colbeck and Grimsby went to a 4-5-1 formation, after which Macclesfield's threat receded.

Colbeck should have done better when Town broke quickly but the sub's diving header from Taylor's cross went wide.

Artus scored from a tap in when Town again broke quickly. After a cross by Colbeck Cook beat the 'keeper and Artus finished it off from inches away.

Town comfortably saw out the remaining 15 minutes to record their first successive away victories for six months.

Grimsby move closer to the points tally they need for a play-off place but it is not over yet. With three away games to come, and one tough home game with Newport to end the season, Town will be targetting three points in their next game at home to Southport. If they win that, they'll probably just need a maximum of 2-3 more points from the remaining four games.

Macclesfield: Taylor, Jackson, Audel, Pablo Mills, Braham-Barrett, Fermino, Kissock, Wedgbury, Winn, Morgan-Smith, Fairhurst

Subs: Andrew Mills, Amores, McDonald, Madjo, Gnahoua

Grimsby: McKeown, Hatton, Pearson, Miller, Thomas, Taylor, Disley, Naylor, Artus, Cook, Hannah

Subs: Colbeck, Hearn, Wood, Thanoj, John-Lewis

Referee: Wayne Barratt (Worcestershire)

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