Exeter Down Town

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 02/12/2020

GRIMSBY were well beaten at Blundell Park by an impressive Exeter outfit who brushed Town aside 4-1. The visitors pounced on every Grimsby mistake and only James McKeown in Town's goal kept the margin down to 3. At the other end, Grimsby troubled to create many meaningful chances against a well-organised side.

Town had a good spell straight after their first-half equaliser but were not able to capitalise on it, then two quick goals before half time proved unassailable and Exeter were able to add to their tally after the break.

Ian Holloway unusually kept virtually an unchanged side from the team that beat Crawley, with just one enforced change - Harry Clifton replacing the injured Max Wright.

James McKeown was needed early on to make a save when Bowman pounced after Waterfall miscontrolled the ball, and Exeter took the lead following another defensive mistake from a corner. Town failed to clear the ball properly and Boeman was again on hand to drill the ball past McKeown to give Exeter the lead. McKeown then kept the deficit down to one goal when Idehen gave the ball away on the halfway line but Town's keeper blocked Taylor's attempt.

Town had their first chance when Green drew a save from a good cross by Preston, and shortly afterwards Grimsby equalised when a great piece of skill by Scannell culminated with a cross with the outside of his boot into the path of Hendrie who bundled the ball into the net with his own momentum.

The equaliser, like last week, seemed to fill Town's veins with confidence and they looked the stronger side for several minutes, stroking the ball around nicely. Unfortunately, a defence-splitting pass picked out the run of Williams who drilled it past McKeown to restore Exeter's advantage. Two minutes later Key was given time and space to pick up Williams who put the Grecians 3-1 up.

3-1 was a slightly unjust scoreline at half time. Grimsby had played well at times but every single mistake had been punished with either an Exeter goal or a good save from the 'keeper.

Pollock came on to replace Idehen at half time as Holloway used the first of his five subs. Exeter continued to control the game and Town struggled to break the visitors down.

Bennett and Gomis then came on for Clifton and Green, but Exeter soon put the game beyond reach. Randall's initial shot was blocked but Jay was first to react and scored from the rebound. The match was effectively over and Grimsby created no more meaningful attempts on goal.

The game showed the gulf between Grimsby and the better sides in this division. Unfortunately, Town have some more tricky fixtures next up with Colchester away and Newport at home in the next week. Points will be needed to pull Town away from the wrong end of the table.

Add To Facebook

This site is by the fans, for the fans, and we will consider articles on any subject relating to the Mariners whether it be related to current news, a nostalgic look back in the past, a story about a player, a game or games in the past, something about Blundell Park or football in general. Click here to submit your article!

Related Stories

• The Green Shoots of Recovery
• Town Sink to New Low
• Is That a Dagger I See Before Me?
• More Stories