Orsi Power

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 08/02/2023

THE Mariners produced an incredible performance to brush aside Luton 3-0 in the FA Cup replay. Town will now travel to Southampton for the Last 16.

Just a week ago fans were despondent at failing to get the signings they had hoped for in the Transfer Window. Two 3-0 wins later and a massive financial boost from the Cup win and suddenly the future looks much brighter.

Hurst reverted to his "cup" side with McAtee and the new signings being unavailable. There were two changes though with Amos replacing Glennon and Green replacing Hunt. Orsi once again spearheaded the attack, with the emphasis being on defence. Town had had to defend in depth for long periods in the 2-2 game at Luton, and it seemed reasonable to expect the same.

It was the Mariners though that drew first blood. Orsi, who was brilliant on and off the ball, and a real handful for the Luton defenders, forced a mistake and fed the ball to Clifton who powered Grimsby into a 1-0 lead.

Town, who used up time and slow the game down at every opportunity, continued to look dangerous on the break and from long throws. The second goal came from a throw-in which this time Clifton fed Orsi from and a brilliant finish by the striker saw Town in dreamland with a 2-0 lead with less than half an hour gone.

The sheer amount of time left and the quality of the opposition meant that defence was crucial and Town were magnificent with numerous blocks and challenged restricting Luton to long-range hopeful efforts. Crocombe was almost beaten when he slipped as a high ball was launched toward him. He recovered in time to save Adebayo's effort.

Orsi brilliantly held the ball up on the edge of the area just before half time and played in Efete who won a corner. Town then won a free kick not far from the corner flag and Amos fired it directly into the net off the post to put Grimsby 3-0 up with half time almost immediately taking place.

The second half saw Grimsby require even more defensive concentration as Luton made substitutions that brought on their more established players.

Town continued to waste time at every opportunity but their focus was resolute and Luton become increasingly frustrated and their attempts on goal become more and more optimistic.

Hunt came on for Green and Glennon replaced Morris before Essel finally replaced the tiring Orsi.

With Luton fans drifting out Town supporters could finally relax for the last few seconds with the game won.

The whole team was brilliant, and the tactics worked perfectly. Even though the side was packed with defensive-minded players Grimsby still scored three goals against a side two divisions above them. Clifton and Orsi were both superb, with the latter being perfect for this way of playing with a solitary striker. He held the ball up brilliantly and was a real pest to defenders off the ball, forcing frequent mistakes. He topped his display at Luton with a brilliant finish.

Town have to try and forget about the cup for a few days while they return to league action. Fans meanwhile have the difficult task or arranging a difficult journey to Southampton on a Wednesday evening. There are no more replays from this point on as the tournament enters the business end of the competition.

Grimsby have not played Southampton since 1977. Should they win the tie they would be in the Quarter Finals for the first time since 1938, probably the greatest year in Town's history.

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