SD Portmany 0 Grimsby Town 1

By: Johnnybgoode
Date: 09/07/2003

STARTING XI: Pettinger, Cas, Barnard, Crane, Ford, Anderson, Hamilton, Pouton, Hockless, Jevons, Boulding. Subs: (Might have missed a couple, too much Sangria!!) Mansaram, Young, Parker, Ward, Rowan, Hildred, Cardechi.

Town started shakily and indeed could have been 1 down inside 30 secs in a San Marino-Englandesque mix up at the back. We soon gained a stranglehold on the game and played neat, possession football, forcing a few corners but no real chances before Hockless cut in from 20-25 yards to curl home a superb effort.

2nd half brought a whole host of changes, most effective was Mansaram who put himself about and was unlucky not to score, clipping the top of the net and having 1 cleared off the line. Alan Pouton was substituted after a flare up with one of their players who led with the elbow in an aerial tackle, (more further down.) All in all, Town were solid but unspectacular against mediocre opposition in what may prove to be the ideal start to pre-season, it also gave the fans a good look at the new arrivals.

Ratings:

Pettinger. Looked confident in his area although had few shots, if any to deal with, but handled safely. 6

Cas. Playing at right back it's obvious he's far too attacking for this position but his ability to take players on showed, especially 1st half. 6

Barnard. Excellent throughout, both defensively and attacking. Little got past him and many of Town's attacks started from his left boot. Oh how refreshing to see a left-back who can play football! My MOM. 8

Crane. One word - massive. Makes Santos look small. Good in the air+strong but susceptible to the bounce. 6

Ford. Had to be literally coached ball by ball by Groves, quite worrying really, 1st half it was "Simon do this, that etc." 5

Anderson. Quiet game showed none of the potential as an attacking force but then was playing on the wrong side? Thought he was a right footer who enjoyed playing on the left? 5

Hamilton. Hard-working performance in line with the team really, solid but unspectacular. 6

Pouton. Excellent 1st half from the skipper then lost his head. Groves subbed him before he got sent off. For me it's a disgrace, captain of young side leading by example by flaring up at the first late challenge. No wonder his discipline is so poor. Personally I'd strip him of the captaincy because that is no example to show people when we are out here as ambassadors of English football. Rant over. 6

Hockless. Oozed confidence - making runs, taking players on and fine goal to cap it all, narrowly misses out on MOM. 8

Jevons. Rusty though showed a few nice touches. Don't feel a partnership with Boulding will work. 6

Boulding. Still not rediscovered his sharpness. Hopefully that will come. 6

Best of the rest: Mansaram 7, Ward 7, Rowan and Parker 6 each.

Cheers everyone, see you all soon. J.B.G.

The Official View:

Graham Rodger told Mariners Net that he was pleased with the win and the performance of his side.

"The lads have done well tonight. Even though we've trained on the pitch, it still takes some getting used to. We've made a few changes throughout the night, and the new lads who have come in have done very well."

"They've all worked very hard in training and tonight was a good workout for them."

"Petts (goalkeeper Pettinger) has done well. He's kept a clean sheet and he's done all that we have asked from him."

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