Town Rue Missed Chances

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 30/09/2023

GRIMSBY were left ruing lost chances after a spirited fightback at Swindon. Town fell behind midway through the first half and then fell further behind just after the hour mark.

Donovan Wilson though gave Town hope within seconds of coming on as a substitute and had 20 minutes to turn the game around following his strike. Despite good chances, a second goal eluded the Mariners in a game in which they arguably deserved a point.

Paul Hurst made 5 changes, partly in response to two defeats, but Conteh was suspended so was enforced. Waterfall, Hunt, Andrews, Gnahoua and Rose all returned in the four "tactical" changes with Glennon, Gavan, Khan and Pyke all dropping to the bench.

In-form Swindon looked the most likely to open the scoring and did so when a gap opened in the centre and Austin picked out Kemp who finished well with a dipping volley.

Harry Clifton had a golden chance to level just before the break when Eisa found the Town midfielder in front of goal but Clifton fired straight at Mahoney who blocked well.

Grimsby were better after the break but as ever struggled to threaten in the final third and looked most dangerous from set pieces, from which they failed to capitalise.

Against the run of play, Kemp set up Eastwood for another good finish.

Hurst made a triple substitution of Khan, Holohan and Wilson for Gnahoua, Hunt and Eisa 5 minutes later and an Efete through broke to Wilson who turned brilliantly and fired past the keeper to give Town a lifeline.

Mahoney then made a double point-blank save from first Rose and then Mullarkey when Grimsby looked certain to score.

Grimsby pressed forward but failed to find an equaliser. Town had the best chances of the game but missed three chances from in front of goal. The two Swindon chances were well-taken goals from much further out. It was a valiant effort on another day the Mariners could have come away with a point.

Grimsby have now lost three games in succession and dropped down the league to just above the danger zone. Nearly every team they have played have been in form, although there are few easy fixtures in this year's competitive division. Barrow on Tuesday night gives a chance to return to winning ways in front of the Blundell Park floodlights.

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