Heartache for Grimsby

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 04/01/2014

GRIMSBY were knocked out of the FA Cup by Huddersfield today in the cruellest possible manner. Town had been leading 2-1 with 5 minutes to go before two late goals from the Terriers secured the Yorkshire side's passage into Round 4. The winning goal was another own goal from the unfortunate Aswad Thomas.

Town had performed magnificently following a shaky first 15 minutes when McKeown kept them in the game. Once they had established themselves in the game it was Grimsby who took the lead, and they went into the tunnel at half time leading 1-0, thanks to a tap-in by Ross Hannah from a Joe Colbeck cross.

Shortly after half time the scores were level. Town conceded a soft free kick just outside the box, and Oliver Norwood's stunning strike beat McKeown at the same end Macclesfield had scored from a similar position last weekend.

Town were soon back in front though when Cook's shot was saved by the Huddersfield 'keeper but looped up into the air, and Disley pounced on the ball to head it in.

Huddersfield were running out of ideas and made several substitutions and change of formation in an attempt to break down the resolute Town defence. But when they did get through the back four McKeown was equal to whatever was fired in his direction.

Grimsby had a chance to make the score 3-1 when Smithies made point blank save to deny Aswad Thomas from a corner.

Huddersfield finally equalised on 86 minutes when KcKeown failed to hold onto Scannell's shot, and the ball fell into the path of former Mariner Martin Paterson, who finished from close range.

It looked like to match was to end in a deserved draw but Huddersfield broke free on the stoke of 90 minutes and a cross from Holmes diverted into the net off Thomas's leg.

It was harsh luck on Town who had defended so valiantly for long spells. The initial goal by Grimsby had come against the run of play but Town gradually grew in confidence and Huddersfield very nearly lost this game. The least Town deserved was a draw. But the fans can be proud of the way the team have played, and the four performances against league sides this season have shown that even the current Grimsby squad would not look out of place in the Football League.

Both teams left the pitch to long applause from all four fans, and the fixture no doubt served up terrific entertainment around the world on the live televised broadcast.

Town though are still fighting on two fronts, and next weekend the Mariners take on Maidenhead in another cup game at Blundell Park. The Mariners are favourites with the bookies to lift the FA Trophy this season and go one step further than they did last season.

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