Town Snatch Winner

By: Chris Parker
Date: 19/09/2004

TOWN reverted to the formation which had looked promising in the first few weeks, without gaining the points they deserved. Forbes came into the middle of the back 3 otherwise the line-up was the one that had enjoyed some success in the early weeks.

Grimsby Town 2 Leyton Orient 0

Town dominated the first 10 minutes or so with Sestanovich breaking into the box on the right before pulling the ball back for the on rushing Fleming to slam the ball goalwards only for a defender to get in a good block.

The game then became scrappy with neither side really creating anything. Pinault struck a good effort from 35 yards but it would have to have been David James in goal for that one to register.

The 2nd half continued with both sides struggling to string passes together, Town refusing to play the ball through midfield, preferring to hit long balls over the top.

After 53 minutes Pinault floated over a free kick and Crowe rose unmarked to power a header home. Orient then began to come out looking for an equaliser but their strikers posed little goal threat as Forbes and the immaculate Gordon stood firm.

I sensed that the only way Orient would score was from a set piece and as the game approached the dying minutes it looked like they had done just that. A corner from the Orient right was met by a firm header at the near post. As Orient started to celebrate their equaliser Williams clawed it out with a magnificent one handed save.

As the ball ran loose Sestanovich prodded clear to Reddy near the half way line. He turned his man and set off towards goal. Town must have had 4 onto one and rather than passing, Reddy took on the last man inside the box. After over running it, he threw himself to the ground and the ref pointed to the spot.

Interestingly Pinault and Gordon were then involved in a "discussion" over who should be taking it, which then involved Macca and Whittle. Macca seemed to side with Gordon but the skipper supported the Frenchman and he duly sent the keeper the wrong way to secure the points.

Points being more important than performances at present most people will be pleased. Williams' stunning save was excellent but I have to say he gives me no confidence whatsoever. Forbes gave us some pace at the back although doesn't look the footballer I expected given his West Ham upbringing.

Sestanovich does 2 or 3 decent things a game, which excites the crowd. Otherwise his contribution is rock all!

Dean Gordon man of the match by a country mile

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