Grimsby 2-0 Sheff Wed

By: Richard Lord
Date: 03/04/2004

A solid 2-0 win over local rivals Sheffield Wednesday handed Nicky Law his first win in charge as manager of Grimsby Town. Darren Mansaram got things rolling before Tony Crane added a second on 33 minutes.

Congolese striker Ndumbu-Nsungu was sent off on the stroke of half time when he swiped out at Phil Jevons and then pushed Jason Crowe.

Although Wednesday enjoyed a lot of possession in the second half, the damage was already done and Town kept it tight to record their first win since the 6-1 demolition of Barnsley back in February.

Law decided to introduce Simon Ford at right back, with Crowe reverting to left back and Mike Edwards partnered Crane in defence. Iain Anderson, Jamie Lawrence, Stacy Coldicott and Jevons started in midfield.

Mansaram was favoured to partner Isaiah Rankin up front and Town were reaping the benefits when the Doncaster-born striker netted on six minutes following a mix-up in the Wednesday defence.

Crane doubled the lead when Anderson's free kick picked out the former Owls player and his looping header back across goal caught out Pressman and nestled in the back of the net.

The visitors' hopes of getting back into the game were dealt a massive blow when Ndumbu-Nsungu lost control following an original decision that was given against him.

The striker took a swipe at Jevons after the ball had been played away, and in the seconds that followed, pushed out at Crowe and inevitably saw the red card.

Antoine-Curier came on for the injured Mansaram but the Frenchman left the field in the second half following a clash of heads. Rowan was the man who replaced him.

And it was Rowan who was involved in the move of the match. Coldicott played a superb ball down the line for Rowan, who picked out Rankin in the area. His turn and cross picked out Jevons but he somehow placed his header over the bar when it was easier to score.

Wednesday were limited to long-range efforts and Fettis was never called into action. The win is crucial for Town, as all three teams below them won.

However, the Mariners jump up a couple of places in the league as Brentford and Chesterfield drew, as did Oldham but Peterborough won and Rushden will now be looking over their shoulders.

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