Mariners "First Class" Says Lennie

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 24/07/2001

LENNIE LAWRENCE praised his team after they beat a Trelleborg Select XI 2-0. Describing the performance as first class as the Mariners put on a stunning display of possession in the first half against a team, that to be fair, were below a first division standard.

The Grimsby Telegraph reports that first half strikes from Michael Jeffrey and Jonny Rowan finished off some impressive play. "That opening period was first class", said Lawrence. "The second half failed to live up to the first and they made it a bit more difficult for us. The pitch was good and it was a nice little stadium. The first half was excellent considering our state of play - hardly any of them have had a full 90 minutes yet."

Kevin Ellison rated doubtful to make his debut tomorrow, which poses a problem for Lennie as he included him in the tour specifically to assess him. Steve Livingstone also missed out and he is expecting to see a specialist in Malmo today.

Although reports from witnesses at the game said Norwegian trialist Stian Thomassen did not have the best of games, Lawrence is keeping him in the squad for the remaining part of the tour.

"I think we might try and keep him with us. He needs a more severe workout, but he didn't do bad," said Lawrence, but Thomassen is not sure about that saying, "It's positive but I don't know if I can do that because I have to contact a few people. I promised them I would be home today."

"When I was younger everybody said that I was an English type of player. I have always liked English football because there are lots of tackles and it's a physical game. I think that suits me. I would love to play in England."

On Rowan and Butterfield who also displayed well Lennie said "Danny was very good in the first half and Jonny showed a good turn of foot on more than one occasion. He did take his goal well and that will do his confidence the world of good."

"It was a better performance than Saturday and it was what you would expect. We didn't let in any daft goals and if there was any criticism it was that a lot of crosses went into their box in the second half but nothing came of it."

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