All Change At Torquay

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 23/08/2015

DEFENSIVE frailties cost Grimsby again for the second time in a week as they once more dropped points which seem the Mariners fall further behind in the automatic promotion race. In fact Grimsby were fortunate to get a point after going in to the break with a deserved two goal deficit.

Hurst made several changes to try and combat the aerial presence of Torquay who had won at Blundell Park for the previous two seasons. Gregor Robertson and Shaun Pearson came into the back four with Toto Nsiala at right back in a completely new look defensive unit. Craig Clay was unfortunate to be dropped in midfield for the new loanee Matt Robinson, and top scorer Padraig Amond was also dropped to allow Jack Mackreth to play on the right wing and Arnold moved up front to partner Omar Bogle.

Hurst's game of musical chairs saw Town struggle to find their rhythm and Torquay were the better side in the first quarter of the game. Town once again conceded from a long ball into the box when Quigley was allowed to head the ball in at the far post.

Torquay's physical presence and long throws continued to unsettle Town and the visitors doubled their lead from a long ball into the box which flicked off the head of Robinson for an unfortunate own goal on his debut.

A disappointing Town went in at the break 2-0 down staring at a second defeat within a week.

Grimsby came back into the game a bit after the restart and grabbed a lifeline with a slice of luck. Robinson took a speculative shot from 25 yards which the Torquay 'keeper misjudged and the ball ended up in the net to give Town a lucky goal.

Amond was introduced on the hour mark and, East who had come on in the first half for the injured Nsiala, provided the cross for Amond to head in the equaliser.

Grimsby looked the most likely side to go on and win the game, but in the end Town had to settle for a point, which was the most they deserved. All the team changes seemed to hinder Town rather than help them and by the time they got going most of them had been reversed from the bench.

Town now have their fist break of the season to try and address some of the defensive problems before Saturday's big derby with Lincoln.

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