The Football League's Upside Down!

By: Richard Lord
Date: 16/03/2002

GRIMSBY Town this afternoon achieved a result of all results. Without an away win since September 8 and Wolves undefeated in 9 games, the chances of Town pulling off a victory at Molineux looked slim. But they did it.

Andy Todd scored what was probably one of the most important goals of the season to silence the 27,000 Wolves fans and to send the travelling Mariners fans into pure ecstasy.

The phrase 'smash and grab' was not at all appropriate for this match, as Grimsby thoroughly deserved their win. From start to finish Wolves were made to look ordinary on their home patch and Sturridge - the division's most prolific goalscorer at the moment - hardly got a sniff.

Manager Paul Groves made just one change to the side that drew 2-2 against Walsall last weekend. Stacy Coldicott was drafted into the side in place of Wayne Burnett.

The Mariners started well and kept the ball, and Muscat was lucky not to see red in the opening minutes when he elbowed Mick Boulding. Although the officials failed to witness that incident, Muscat was to later get his punishment.

The first half was very even, and Town could have even snatched the lead if Bradley Allen had put his one-on-one effort past Oakes in goal, instead of dragging his shot wide.

Wolves striker Nathan Blake kicked thin air at the other end, as Coyne was kept quiet. Todd and Groves stood firm in the Town defence and cleared everything that came near them.

In the second half the visitors kept the ball from the home side and continued to create half chances. Boulding and Allen caused Lescot and Butler all sorts of problems, until Muscat was given his marching orders for stupidly elbowing Boulding for a second time.

Then, as the game approached the last 10 minutes, Andy Todd scored the winner after sustained pressure from the Mariners. Butterfield played his part in the goal after he took the corner, and the sight of seeing the ball hit the back of the net signalled a move out of the bottom three.

This result is absolutely massive, and I wouldn't mind seeing the faces of the Walsall/Wednesday/Barnsley fans when they check teletext for the final score: Wolves 0-1 Grimsby (Todd 79).

If anyone says Grimsby don't deserve to stay up, on the evidence of this match may I suggest to tell them where to go!

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