Town in Unexpected Win

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 03/10/2018

GRIMSBY bounced back from their run of six straight defeats with a battling 1-0 win at Carlisle. The Mariners scored one in the first half but should have added to Luke Hendrie's solitary strike. After the break, Carlisle laid siege to Town's goal but the Mariners held firm for a much needed three points.

Michael Jolley made several changes, bringing in 5 players and starting with a 4-3-3 formation. All three strikers missed early chances. A good move ended up with the ball breaking to Hooper in the box but he failed to react in time, and his tame shot was saved and Vernon failed with the follow-up. Vernon intercepted an attempted back pass running through on the right, but shot straight at the 'keeper in a one-on-one. It was then Thomas's turn to have an opportunity when he raced onto another long ball but had to settle on a corner. From the second resulting corner, Thomas executed a good turn on the corner of the box, shooting just wide.

McKeown made two saves to deny Carlisle, who were starting to come in the game more, but then Hooper missed a golden chance heading Embleton's cross wide from a prime position with the goal at his mercy.

Town though deservedly took the lead when Hendrie's pull back from the byeline to Vernam saw the ball come back to the fullback who had continued his run and he made no mistake from close range.

Carlisle should have levelled just before the break when Sowerby missed a header in front of goal following a hesitation in Town's defence.

After the break, Carlisle chalked up the bulk of possession and spent long periods camped in Town's half. McKeown made an early save, then Hooper had a chance to double Town's lead but his cross-shot was pawed away for a corner. A Hendrie slip allowed Carlisle to win the ball, but their shot fell straight to McKeown. Carlisle stepped up the pressure and Campbell had a shot charged own, they then hit the post from Gillesphey's header in a goalmouth melee.

Town defended in depth and switched to a 4-4-2 for the latter stages of the game as they concentrated on keeping their lead intact. Carlisle won a succession of corners but were unable to penetrate Grimsby's rearguard.

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