Three Precious Points For The Mariners!

By: Richard Lord
Date: 26/02/2002

ON HIS home debut Charlton loan defender Andy Todd scored the first of three first half gaols to seal three precious points for the Mariners against a poor Stockport side. Manager Groves and striker Bradley Allen scored the other two in a frantic opening half.

Two changes were made from the 0-0 draw at Forest on Saturday, David Smith deputised for the suspended Tony Gallimore at left back, and Bradley Allen partnered Martin Pringle up front. Otherwise the squad remained the same that looked so organised at the City ground three days ago.

Town's first goal came from a Butterfield corner that was misjudged by the County defence and Todd side-footed home on the volley from six yards out. Campbell had half an opportunity to double the lead but was forced out wide.

Grimsby's next goal also came from a corner, as Paul Groves met a Pouton inswinger and headed emphatically past Jones in the Stockport goal. Once the two-goal cushion had been achieved, the Mariners started to sit back but played too deep, and it was to cost them a goal.

Carlton Palmer was the man who pulled a goal back for Stockport - with both managers scoring in the same game. Once again Grimsby upped the tempo and went searching for the killer goal, and it duly arrived on the stroke of half time from Allen. Good work down the right by Pringle forced an error in the County defence and Allen took full advantage.

The second half was merely a chance for both teams to pass the ball around, and very few chances were created. Although it was to be filled with controversy, as early in the half ex-Tranmere defender Dave Challinor was somehow only punished with a yellow card after a two-footed lunge from behind on Pringle. The Swede has reportedly suffered a broken leg.

Almost instantly Challinor was taken off by Palmer, and soon Palmer himself was off. After constant moaning, the officials eventually showed the former England international his second yellow card, much to the joy of the home supporters.

The game petered out without much incident, with subs Boulding and Ford both having a part to play in the game. League Table

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