The Perfect Day

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 06/04/2024

GRIMSBY took a giant leap to League Two survival with a 1-0 win over Newport at Blundell Park. The Perfect Day was established with the three clubs beneath them, giving Town a healthy breathing space between them at the bottom two.

The Mariners have threatened to win 1-0 on several occasions this season, and have conceded many late goals, so nerves were understandably frayed in the closing stages, but for once Grimsby were resolute and were emphatic winners thanks to a much-improved performance.

Town made four changes with Eastwood, Green, Vernam and Wilson starting in place of Cartwright, Andrews, Hume and Obikwu. In the first half, both sides struggled with the windy conditions, but Town looked the more likely to score and there were several scrambles in the penalty area where nobody could make a decisive strike, with Newport only occasionally threatening. Vernam on the left flank, was excellent, delivering crosses and winning corners, but Newport's defence held firm. However, just before halftime, the persistence of Danny Rose paid off. He didn't give up on a long ball from Thompson that Rose looked second favourite to win but managed to get his foot to the ball, cleverly slotting it at a difficult angle for Newport's goalkeeper Townsend to each, and Town were 1-0 up. A shot by Jameson straight at Eastwood was Newport's best effort before the break.

In the second half, Grimsby maintained their advantage with solid defence and continued pressure. Newport briefly had a good spell following the introduction of Omar Bogle, but Grimsby remained resilient and fought their way back into the game, and got stronger as the game went on. Wilson had four opportunities to extend the lead but was denied by Townsend and Newport's defence.

Grimsby controlled the latter stages of the game, with Newport unable to mount a significant threat. Despite a few chances from set pieces, Newport couldn't find a breakthrough, and Town hung on to the relief of everyone. The only criticism was the finishing, they created more than enough good chances to have put the game to bed.

Town now have three consecutive away games starting with Harrogate on Tuesday night.

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