Two Goals But Nuneaton

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 25/01/2015

GRIMSBY came away from Nuneaton with the hoped for and expected three points to consolidate their Conference play-off spot. With few league fixtures on an FA Trophy weekend, and Barnet and Macclesfield both winning, not much has changed at the top but Town have put a bit of space between themselves and the chasing pack.

Town struggled to find their rhythm on a heavy pitch in the first half. But they stepped up a gear after the break, and eventually ran out convincing winners with two second half goals.

The Mariners had to manage without Lenell John-Lewis who was injured in the FA Trophy defeat at Gateshead in midweek. so Paul Hurst has got away with picking his star striker for a non-essential minor cup game. The only other change from the side which beat Barnet last weekend was Craig Clay was preferred to Scott Brown in midfield.

Both sides had one good chance in the first half. Ogleby was played through in acres of space and with the offside flag not shown it was down to him and McKeown. Macca made a good save with his feet to deny the former Livingston striker, who has just signed for Nuneaton.

Then it was Town's turn to have a one-on-one with the 'keeper. Arnold raced onto a long ball from the back, but hit his first time effort straight at keeper.

Just before half time Pittman, on the corner of box, turned his man and clipped the cross bar with a shot from a narrow angle.

Five minutes into second half Town drew first blood. Palmer and Arnold both had efforts that bounced back off the woodwork and defence respectively, but Pittman's striker proved third time lucky and put Town 1-0 up.

Hannah came on with half an hour to spare and made the most of some rare game time with a decisive second goal in the 88th minute. A Town corner saw the ball knocked down at the far post into Hannah who, with his back to goal, spun and blasted it in from close range.

The Mariners now head to Eastleigh for their first ever game with the big-spending Southampton-based club who have only lost once at home all season.

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