Season Review: Part Two

By: Sam Kinnaird
Date: 13/05/2009 (Last updated: 12/05/2009)

TOWN began the season with an uninspiring 0-0 draw against Rochdale, keeper Phil Barnes was the hero for the home side with a string of fine saves. Goal machines Chris Dagnall and Adam le Fondre both failed to find the net for the Dale, a disappointing crowd of just over 4,000 saw the game.

The following Tuesday night saw the visit of League One side Tranmere Rovers, whose appalling cup record in recent years gave optimism to the Town faithful. An early James Hunt header and an own goal shortly after half time sent the Mariners through to play Blackburn away in the second round. Confidence was high after two successive clean sheets for Town, they travelled down to Brentford for what looked like a tough fixture in the London sunshine. They were right, a 4-0 thumping left Town fans dejected and looking over their shoulders at Luton, Bournemouth and Rotherham already. Things didn’t get any better at the weekend as Chesterfield took all three points from Blundell Park. Much publicised frontman Jamie Ward scored the only goal of the game after 42 minutes to win the day. Trialist Nicky Nicolau was released and snapped up by rivals Barnet just days later.

Over 2,000 vociferous Mariners fans travelled the 150 miles or so across the Pennines to Blackburn Rovers in the League Cup, a side who had finished 7th in the Premier league just months before. A curling Tom Newey free kick after just seven minutes sent Town into a dream 1-0 lead, but it didn’t last long as Carlos Villanueva, Matt Derbyshire and Brett Emerton all grabbed goals before half time. That man Derbyshire added another just before the hour to end the game 4-1 and send Town crashing out of the cup.

Winger Peter Bore joined York City on loan in a bid to gain some first team experience at a lower level. He made four appearances but was sent back to Blundell Park early, many linked the early exit to the youngster's questionable attitude.

The final game in August saw Town travel to local rivals Lincoln City, who themselves had also had a poor start to the campaign. Peter Till put the Mariners 1-0 up in the 38th minute, but a late penalty conceded by Tom Newey left Lee Frecklington to smash home the equaliser and end the game in a 1-1 draw and end the month without a league win so far.

Season Review Index

Add To Facebook

This site is by the fans, for the fans, and we will consider articles on any subject relating to the Mariners whether it be related to current news, a nostalgic look back in the past, a story about a player, a game or games in the past, something about Blundell Park or football in general. Click here to submit your article!

Related Stories

• Season Review: Part One
• Bennett - Player of the Year
• Happily Ever After
• More Stories