Town Waltz Past Hapless Nuneaton

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 14/12/2014 (Last updated: 15/12/2014)

PAUL Hurst made his intentions clear when he played arguably Town's strongest side in the First Round of the FA Trophy. The Mariners have reached the last four in the last two seasons, although options vary as to the benefits of taking the competition seriously.

However the Mariners romped home against Nuneaton, normally a bogey side for Grimsby, despite the match kicking off over an hour late because Town's bus had been held up in traffic. A goal in each half means that Grimsby will be in Monday's draw. Just 344 people watched the game.

The only change made by Paul Hurst from the side that drew with AFC Telford United in Town's last official game. Aswad Thomas returned from injury at left back, with Magnay reverting to right back and Toto Nsiala dropping from the matchday squad altogether.

Town dominated the first half and it was no surprise when they went ahead on 25 minutes. A cross found Magnay found its way to Pittman on the edge of the box, who turned and struck it past the 'keeper.

The only shock at half time were that Town were only a goal up. Had John-Lewis taken his chances the match could have been out of sight.

It soon was though in the second half when Nuneaton had a player sent off. Gareth Dean decided to haul down John-Lewis and was ruled to be the last defender by the ref. He obviously hadn't paid attention when John-Lewis had been presented with chances in the first half. From the resulting free kick the 'keeper collided with the post and had to go off. Nuneaton had no 'keeper on the bench so midfielder James Armson had to go in goal.

John-Lewis hit the woodwork and then missed another good chance, before Mackreth put Nuneaton out of their misery, rounding the stand-in 'keeper and practically walking the ball into the net.

Nuneaton barely troubled Town all afternoon even when they had a full complement of players.

The serious business of the league finally resumes on Friday night when Forest Green head to Cleethorpes in what could well turn out to be a key battle for the promotion places.

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