The Dream Continues

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 05/01/2020

The dream start under Ian Holloway continued with a remarkable away win at Mansfield in front of 1300 visiting supporters. It was all the more remarkable as Town had to play most of the game with 10 men after Luke Waterfall was shown a red card after ten minutes.

It means Grimsby have a 100% record since Ian Holloway arrived, despite his limited time to make any changes. His enthusiasm and general aura already seem to be bringing the best out of some players, and Lady Lucky is finally going Town's way after several matches where they didn't always get the result they deserved during the Limbrick spell as caretaker.

The only change to the side was enforced with Moses Ogbu placing the injured Jordan Cook.

All Town's plans went out the window after 10 minutes when Waterfall received a straight red for a reckless challenge on Jacob Mellis. Mattie Pollock immediately came on as a defensive substitution with Max Wright being dropped as a midfielder.

Town held their own but needed James McKeown to deny Nick Maynard when a defensive mix-up allowed Mansfield to break through on goal.

However, a powerful strike from Vernam just before half time which produced a good save reminded everyone that Town were not out of the game.

Town continued to give a good account of themselves and Harry Clifton went close at the start of the second half.

Mansfield continued to press and Mellis and Benning both had chances on goal. It was Grimsby who broke the deadlock though when a good move saw Gibson whip in a dangerous cross and it was diverted into his own goal by Benning. It was just the sort of luck that Town have been lacking for the last 3 months

With their noses in front, Grimsby defended in numbers for the rest of the game and picked up a couple of cards for time-wasting as they frustrated the Mansfield players and fans.

The match ended on a fitting note when James McKeown made a stunning save to deny Mansfield in what turned out to literally be the last kick of the game.

Ian Holloway's arrival has rejuvenated Town and the league table looks a lot more healthy. The Mariners travel down to London for the next game on Saturday against Leyton Orient.

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