Let’s Concentrate on the League

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 08/11/2008

GRIMSBY fell at the first hurdle in the FA Cup to League Two rivals Morecambe, despite the Shrimpers being decimated by injuries to their first team squad. An horrendous mistake by Town 'keeper Phil Barnes effectively gifted the game to Morecambe.

As expected new striker Adam Proudlock started for Grimsby, with Nathan Jarman chosen to partner him by manager Mike Newell. Trotter was dropped for Hunt in midfield, and 18-year-old Ryan Bennett was made captain due to Matt Heywood's injury. Rob Atkinson started at centre back alongside Bennett,

For the first half hour the match was finely balanced, with neither side able to make a break through.

Then on 30 minutes Morecambe almost scored twice within a few seconds. Firstly Barnes saved at the feet of Taylor, then in the ensuing chaos Stanley hit the post for Morecambe.

On 32 minutes Peter Till went off injured with a recurrence of his hamstring problem and Peter Bore took his place. From this moment Morecambe were the better side.

Just when it looked like Town might survive until half time Taylor was given a free header and Morecambe took the lead.

After the break Proudlock almost brilliantly lobbed the keeper with a speculative half volley , but the ball went just over the goal.

Morecambe almost scored a bizarre goal straight from a goal kick and Town needed Phil Barnes to pull off a great save to deny Morecambe's 'keeper a goal!

Grimsby should have equalised but Proudlock hit the bar from a brilliant half volley on the turn.

Newell brought on Danny North, with Town pushing forward in a 4-3-3 formation for the last few minutes.

However a howler by Phil Barnes gifted Morecambe a second when he failed to make contact with the ball in an attempted clearance and Taylor ran on to put the ball into the net.

Stockdale gave Town a lifeline with an 87th minute goal which dropped to him 5 yards out

Town pressed for an equaliser but there was not enough time and the Mariners now have to concentrate on the league.

A full report will appear later.

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