Grimsby 1 Swansea 1

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 31/10/2004

TOWN missed their fifth penalty of the season, and failed to capitalise on a good opportunity to beat Swansea at home this afternoon. Despite finally taking the lead, Town were then held to a draw after the referee awarded the Swans a dubious penalty.

Russell Slade started the game with a fairly defensive starting XI. Ashley Sestanovich was dropped (and refused to play as a substitute), meaning a start for Colin Cramb. Fellow playmaker Pinault once again had to settle for a place on the bench. Dean Gordon was moved up the pitch to the left side of midfield, and Jason Crowe switched to the right in place of the injured John McDermott.

A forgettable first half saw few opportunities for either side. Town's best effort on goal was a Rob Jones header straight at the 'keeper. A Leon Britton shot wide was the pick of the few chances which fell the way of the Swans .

The game came to life almost immediately after the break when Michael Reddy was fouled by Garry Monk for a clear penalty. The former Sunderland striker needed several minutes of treatment on an ankle injury before going off on a stretcher. Up stepped Dean Gordon to try where so many others have failed this season from 12 yards. But the former Palace full back tried to place the ball low to his right, and the 'keeper managed to get a hand to it and divert it to safety.

Colin Cramb came on for Reddy and within a few minutes the former Crewe striker put Town in front with a simple header from a inch-perfect Dean Gordon cross.

Town had chances to increase their lead, with Cramb in particular missing a couple of half-chances.

The Welshmen drew level when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Kevin Nugent by Rob Jones, despite there appearing to be minimal contact in the box. Jones was booked for his challenge, and Trundle made no mistake with his spot kick.

Both teams had chances to win the game in the final minutes, but it will be Town who will once again be rueing their inability to win a game in which they had the opportunities to do so.

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