Town Pay the Penalty

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 20/09/2020

GRIMSBY were thumped 4-0 at home to Salford in a match with three penalties and lots of individual mistakes. Although once of the penalties was harsh, to say the least, and Grimsby had their fair share of chances, the poor start to the season continues.

With several players still out injured and Holloway far from knowing his best side, Holloway brought Harry Clifton and James Tilley into the side at the expense of Danny Rose and Sean Scannell.

Town looked like they had goals in them in the early stages. A long ball through the centre saw Green and Edwards combined and the latter's shot was cleared off the line. Green's effort from a Preston cross then produced a diving save from the 'keeper as Town continued to create the best chances.

Town shot themselves in the foot when a miscontrol in his own box by Hewitt led him to stick his foot out and invite Henderson to be tripped over. The referee pointed to the spot and Henderson scored his first from the spot.

Grimsby continued to press and looked dangerous on the break, with Clifton, in particular, making some incisive passes from midfield to pick out the front players. Williams on the break forced another save from the 'keeper, and Clifton has a shot deflected over.

Half time came and Grimsby had given a reasonable account on themselves, and but for one mistake had largely limited the visitors.

After the break, the game turned into travesty when the referee spotted a penalty that nobody else could see (it was later explained to be for a "handball" by Hewitt). Henderson made no mistake the second time and Town's head went down.

Salford scored their first goal in open play to put the game beyond doubt when Henderson headed in a third for his hattrick. Had there been a crowd, many of them would have got up and left at this point.

With the game lost Öhman then foolishly committed a professional foul to prevent Salford from adding a fourth, which they did anyway from the spot (this time through Towell) after the Swede had been sent off.

The 4-0 scoreline was generous but once again Grimsby were second best and individual mistakes cost them dearly, plus a poor referring decision. On the plus side, Grimsby did create chances, and Harry Clifton looked well worth his recall to the starting line-up.

Town have seven days to dust themselves down and prepare for the trip to Whaddon Road to face Cheltenham.

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