Back Down to Earth

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 14/12/2024

GRIMSBY came back down to earth from their two impressive victories with a 2-0 home defeat to Crewe at Blundell Park. The visitors are one of the strongest sides in the division, and it gave Town a chance to pit themselves against top opposition. They came out second best in yet another home defeat.

The Mariners created little in a game of few chances, and Crewe pounced on their mistakes. Two of them resulted in the ball ending up in the back of the net.

David Artell made two changes from the side which won at Morecambe. Tharme replaced the suspended Rodgers in defence and Davies came in for McEachran in midfield.

Justin Obikwu had a couple of runs at the Crewe defence in early play but found himself unable to find a passage through it. Crewe created the first when a mazy run by Lankester saw a good saved from Wright who tipped the ball over the bar from a narrow angle.

Town had their best chance of the game on 15 minutes when a Hume free kick found Tharme in space in front of goal but he headed over. Crewe had an even better chance shortly afterwards when a ball played into the box saw Lankester turn and shoot straight at Wright.

Obikwu went off injured just before halftime and was replaced by Rose. Crewe had the better of the first half, but hopes were that Town could step it up after the break.

Thompson got a yellow card and then was given a further warning by the ref at the start of the second half. Crewe scored their first goal when a Town attack broke down and a long ball from defence picked out Lankester who ran on and chipped over the advancing Wright. For a couple of seconds the ball hung in the air before dipping down into the net. There was no offside flag to save Town.

Soon after Grimsby won a free kick but the ball was played out and Thompson, on his final warning, failed to make a telling challenge and Crewe broke and had a man over. A swift interchange of passes followed between Lankester and Tabiner, with the latter putting the visitors two goals up.

David Artell brought on the subs but Grimsby found it very difficult to break Crewe down and struggled to create anything, despite periods of possession.

Obikwu's departure was the key moment for Town. He was their focal point and looked like their best attacking threat. Rodger was missed in defence and Crewe were very organised and difficult to break down. Good teams always punish mistakes and Crewe made the most of Grimsby's.

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