Grimsby 1 Swindon 2

By: Richard Lord
Date: 16/09/2003

GRIMSBY were unable to immediately bounce back from the Hartlepool debacle as they went down 2-1 against Swindon at Blundell Park this evening.

Groves had threatened to ring in the changes but this ultimately involved dropping himself from the side to be replaced by Bolder. McDermott returned at right back with Crowe dropping to the bench.

The initial signs were good, and although untidy at times, Town were clearing their lines and keeping the visitors at bay.

Both sides had half chances to take the lead but it was Town on 23 minutes who broke the deadlock.

A long ball through the middle caught Robins' keeper Evans in no-man's-land and Boulding nipped in to tuck home his sixth goal of the season.

But Swindon's strike partnership of Mooney and Parkin were always a threat, and they gave Crane and Ford no respite.

Jonny Rowan collapsed injured after a determined run, and just a few minutes after he received treatment, he was taken off and replaced by Liam Nimmo.

Swindon had the chance to equalise on the stroke of half time but Milner let the ball run past him and collapsed rather easily in the box.

The youngster was then booked seconds later after clattering in to McDermott as Town's captain was clearing down the line.

Eight minutes into the second half and Swindon were on level terms due to a good finish from Gurney following superb build-up play.

Campbell was then gifted possession just outside the Swindon box but he delayed in getting his shot away and he was eventually shrugged off the ball.

On 65 minutes the visitors took the lead. Top scorer Tommy Mooney added to his season's total when he drove home a free kick from an acute angle.

Hockless was taken off and replaced by David Soames as the Mariners appeared to go 4-3-3 in an attempt to rescue something from the game.

Swindon could have added to their two goals but hesitation and dogged defending kept clear chances at a premium.

Bolder then went down having clashed heads and he was promptly taken off and replaced by Crowe.

The Mariners had failed to trouble Evans in goal, who began the game in unconvincing style, and was at fault for the opening goal.

In the end it became desperate, with Crane being sent up as another body in the box for the defence to lump it to.

The ploy failed to reap the benefits and Town trudged off the field at full time without a win in four games.

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