Town Edge Close Match

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 11/03/2023

GRIMSBY beat bottom side Rochdale to secure their fourth home win of the season with the only moment of quality being George Lloyd's goal, which secured a 1-0 victory for the Mariners.

Rochdale had a mini spell in the first half where they almost scored, but otherwise, both sides struggled to create chances.

Green and Khan came in for Clifton and Khouri in the only changes from Tuesday's draw with Newport.

A quiet start to the game suggested goals would be at a premium. Dale came closest to scoring from an Ethan Ebanks-Landell header from a free kick which went over the bar, and at the other end, Efete dragged a shot wide.

Dale had three chances to score in quick succession. First, Rodney's cross flashed across the face of the goal and then the same player went round Crocombe but his shot was blocked.`From the ensuing corner, Keohane's header was cleared off the line by Lloyd.

Taylor came on for McAtee after the break. Town started well and Green had a shot deflected for a corner. The corner eventually returned back to Green whose effort went over the bar.

Rochdale had a penalty shout when Maher tackled Mullarkey. The referee never gave it despite strong appeals from the fans at that end.

Rodney had a couple of half chances for Rochdale before Town struck the opener. Clifton, who had come on as a sub, launched a long ball which played Llloyd through who lobbed the 'keeper early to give the Mariners the lead.

Waterfall came close to getting onto the end of a flick-on from Maher's long throw, but it was just out of reach for the centre back. Kahn then fired wide from a long shot.

With 10 minutes to go Town switched into game management mode and became more interested in running the clock down than scoring a killer goal. Rochdale were unable to seriously threaten Grimsby's goal in the closing stages. They missed their chances in the first half and are staring relegation in the face with other results not going their way.

Town were far from their best but improved with the second-half substitutions and will be happy with three points and a clean sheet.

Grimsby have a South London match at Sutton on Tuesday before the big weekend FA Cup Quarter Final clash at the Amex.

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