Season Limps to an End

By: Matty Newton
Date: 04/05/2008

AS another memorable season comes to an end, the Mariners couldn't end their run of defeats as they went down 2-0 to League One bound Hereford United.

Town lined up with a 4-4-2 formation, with both Danny North and Peter Till recovering from injuries. Nathan Jarman lined up alongside North in attack, as Town looked to put recent bad form behind them. There was also a place on the bench for young defender Matty Bird as Buckley looks forward to next season.

With Hereford fans packing out the stadium it was the Town faithful who were the surprisingly more vocal, and it was reflected on the pitch as for the first half an hour Grimsby dominated the play with Town’s best chance coming from the right boot of Jarman, who had created enough space for himself to bend a shot, only for debutante goalkeeper Esson to save in the Hereford goal. Jarman again went close minutes later but was unable to find the net.

In the 24th minute Boshell dragged a shot wide, as did Clarke after a good corner from Hegarty allowed him time to shoot.

Hereford did well to weather the storm and were rewarded for their efforts on the 36th minute when Boshell gave the ball away cheaply to Taylor, he calmly played the ball through to Ben Smith who slotted the ball past Barnes to make it 1-0.

The Mariners could have equalised within a couple of minutes, as North found himself clear in the 6 yard box, only for Esson to block the shot comfortably.

Just as soon as Town could have made it all square Hereford were 2-0 up. Virtually identical to their first, Taylor who had a tremendous game bossing the midfield, played the ball through to Theo Robinson, who choose to slot home in the same corner as Smith.

The half time whistle couldn't come soon enough for the Mariners, and it was evident that changes needed to be made.

Unsurprisingly changes were made at half time, with Martin Butler and young Matty Bird coming on in place of North and Jarman. The formation also took a change as Town lined up 4-5-1 for the second half.

With the 4-5-1 formation making the defence more solid, Town were struggling with forward play and so on the 57th minute Peter Till was withdrawn from proceedings, with Andy Taylor coming on, and Buckley reverting his tactics back to 4-4-2.

Hereford made their first substitution of the afternoon taking off the unimpressive Guinan for the well travelled Trevor Benjamin.

Matty Bird was the saviour in the 71st minute as his diving header cleared the ball from off the goal line and kept the score slightly more respectable, after Barnes had parried Theo Robinson’s shot.

The second half never really got going for Town with only half chances being created, however the defence did look more composed. Bennett did well to get a cross away but was unable to find anyone in the middle, and Bolland had a shot blocked, but that was all Town had to offer.

Hereford made a couple more substitutions late on McClenahan coming off for Broadhurst in the 79th minute and McCombe replacing Beckwith on in the 84th.

As the game came to the closing stages Hereford fans became more and more excited and as the final whistle sounded a huge cheer erupted around the ground.

Grimsby till I die could be heard from the 220 travelling Town faithful as the players applauded our support.

Our inability to find the net cost us dear as in the end Hereford did enough to seal the win.

Matty Bird wins MOM because of his super clearance if nothing else.

With this match report draws the end of a very long season and the beginning of boring Saturday’s and many transfer rumours.

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