Toner Slays the Welsh Dragons!

By: Robert Salt
Date: 20/02/2007

GRIMSBY Town claimed an incredible fourth successive win against Wrexham tonight at Blundell Park, once again having to come from behind. After an average first half display, Town went on to control the second period and Ciaran Toner’s injury time strike ensured Town took all three points.

Town started with the same staring eleven that began and played so well away at Mansfield on Saturday, This meant extended loan singing James Hunt continuing in midfield, whilst Stoke loan favourite Martin Paterson played his last game with Town, at least for this season anyway.

The early stages were very tight and Town’s formation of 4-5-1 were controlling the game against a poor Wrexham side. However within the first few minutes Wrexham from a good position fired over and Paterson’s long range effort was easily claimed by the Wrexham keeper.

Chances after that were few and far between with neither team being able to create any clear attempts on goal. Town were at least trying to create chances and go for the win with Wrexham’s game plan being very clear - come for a point!

However it was Wrexham that took the lead. A terrible back pass by Town allowed McEvilly in clear on goal. His first shot was saved by the legs of Barnes and his follow up hit the post; however somehow his third attempt managed to squeeze the ball in and Wrexham, against the run of play were in front.

Buckley decided a change was needed and took off James Hunt for Gary Jones and switched to a 4-4-2 formation.

Town continued to be slightly the better team, without causing the Wrexham 'keeper any problems, and shortly before half time Town drew level. A corner was floated in and Paul Bolland’s excellent header was guided into the top corner, half time 1-1

In the second half Town were much the better team and looked the most likely to win it. Long range efforts from Newey and Paterson brought good saves from the Wrexham 'keeper. Shortly afterwards probably the biggest goalmouth scramble you will ever see from a Town attack resulted in the ball being cleared off the Wrexham line, a penalty appeal was waved away by the ref in the Wrexham goal mouth and still Town continued to dominate but had to be wary of the counter attack.

You got the feeling it was just one of those days where you dominated games but the ball just would not fall for you. Wrexham in the last 10 mins were wasting time at every chance they got, no more than the substitute Wrexham striker who looked more at home on Bradley pitches than as a professional player.

However Town still continued to push for the win and got the goal they deserved deep into injury time, the ball was floated in for Gary Jones to head into the path of Toner whose sweet volley inside the area flew into the top corner to send the Town fans of approx 5600 wild with relief!

MOM: Martin Paterson, never stopped running, was so desperate to get a goal on his last match, a Town favourite who I hope we have not seen last of.

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