Grimsby 0 Watford 3

By: Richard Lord
Date: 20/10/2001

GRIMSBY TOWN this afternoon crashed to their fifth successive defeat at the hands of Watford. A goal in the second half followed two in the first for the visitors as the game finished 3-0 in favour of the Hornets.

For Grimsby loanee Alan Neilson made his debut at right back with Gallimore, Broomes and Groves also in defence. Menno Willems made a return in midfield and was partnered with Butterfield, Stuart Campbell and Alan Pouton played on the wings. Jevons and Rowan continued up front.

On 18 minutes Jevons looked to have broken the offside trap when he slid the ball past the advancing Baardsen, but a late flag by the linesman ruled the goal out. Just one minute later the ball was in the net at the other end when Micah Hyde poked the ball home from just two yards after good work down the right and the cross had eluded the Town defence.

It was a poor display by Grimsby who couldn't get out of the starting blocks. They did however improve and Neilson had a great chance to equalise but Baardsen brilliantly kept out his volley at the near post.

Grimsby were able to retain possession after Watford had dictated the run of play for the first 20 minutes. Again Grimsby's defence fell apart just before half time when a long ball through the middle released Noble, who poked the ball past Coyne and walked the ball in the net.

The grey mist descended further on the Mariners when on the hour mark Watford scored a third. A good run down the left and a cross/shot set up Hyde for his second goal of the afternoon. Once again a cross from an unmarked player undid Town's defence.

It was exhibition stuff from Gianluca Vialli's men who then played out the ensuing with neat, crisp passing. Grimsby made one or two half chances before the full time whistle but they were never given a sight of goal by a disciplined Watford back line.

The defeat was Grimsby's third on the trot at home and their fifth in the league. It will leave a desperate Lennie Lawrence scratching his head and wondering how to turn the corner. Something must be done to stop the rot from setting in at Blundell Park.

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