Winter Is Coming

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 02/11/2024

GRIMSBY slumped to a new low at Blundell Park with a sixth consecutive defeat in all competitions, this time to lower-league opposition. The Mariners dominated the first half against Wealdstone and were unfortunate not to be multiple goals up at the break.

The second half was a different story. Wealdstone, one of the few part time teams in the National League, have failed to win away all season. Conventional wisdom says the professional team should have a fitness advantage as the game progresses. The reverse was in fact the case and as the game progressed Grimsby got weaker.

The competition's new format no longer gives non-league clubs a financial incentive to get a draw in ties. Wealdstone's positive approach in the second half especially found Town wanting and it was not against the run of play when the London side scored the game's only goal in its closing minutes. Coming as late as it did the opportunity to take the game to extra time was only a few minutes, and Town ended the match with a whimper.

David Artell made four changes from the side that lost to MK Dons. Jordan, Cass, Svanthorsson and Green came in for Smith, Tharme, Warren and Barrington.

Grimsby had multiple good chances to take a lead in the first half. In the opening minutes, a Danny Rose chip almost led to a goal but was cleared off the line. Khouri then won a penalty when his run saw him hacked down on the corner of the box. Obikwu strangely took the penalty and hit the post, and Hume fired the rebound wide. At that stage, it didn't look too worrying as Town were dominating proceedings. The keeper made two brilliant saves to keep Wealdstone in the game and the half ended 0-0. Never mind Town would wrap it up in the second half and we'd all get to watch the draw for Round 2.

After the break Town were struggling to make headway. Wealdstone gradually realised the game was there for the taking and brought on an extra attacker. They became an increasing threat with the extra man and Town were hanging on at times. The goal, when it came was characteristically poor. A ball was played into the box and Rodgers collided with a Wealdstone player. It could have gone either way and, while waiting to see what would happen (which was nothing), the first person to react was Reid, who stroked the ball in more or less unopposed.

Grimsby started the game looking like professionals and ended it looking like total amateurs. It's going to be a very long winter unless things improve soon at Blundell Park. Fortunately, Town's league position has been boosted by their superb recent away form, but they can't rely on that continuing and they have to improve in front of their own fans.

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