Macca On Blackburn

By: Fishy News Room
Date: 16/05/2001

John McDermott has given his view on the Blackburn game saying that he thought that the Mariners were holding their own against Blackburn for the first half hour. "We felt pretty comfortable. We had a lot of good movements, and I think we held the line well."

John McDermott has given his view on the Blackburn game saying that he thought that the Mariners were holding their own against Blackburn for the first half hour.

"We felt pretty comfortable. We had a lot of good movements, and I think we held the line well." I don't think they really had any decent shots on target as such, and we were playing quite well. We had some chances, and started bright, it was probably quite a good game to watch, really."

Speaking to the Grimsby Town official site, Mariners Net, John said: "They were always going to get chances - they are a very good side. They had movement, were strong in midfield, and they had runners all over the place. The front-men, even if they made a run and were off-side, they came back out and went on to another angle. That's why they're second in the league, personally I think they are the best team in the league - even before we played that game."

"The first goal took the wind out of us, but Dan's been outstanding all year. Nobody was blaming Danny, looking through the game he probably made three or four blinding saves after that. It was hard on Dan. The cameras were there, and the Wales manager. We all felt for him really. But he's man enough to come back from that."

"when it was 2-0 at half-time we were hoping to get a goal and see how they reacted. But obviously then they got another one, and our goal came too late. But we kept on going and the fans were good to us. At the end of the day we put on a good performance - better than we have put on at home for a long, long while. Obviously the scoreline has flattered them a little bit, which is disappointing."

"They are 2-0 up at half-time, they are cruising, and they're going to keep the ball all night. And possibly when we got it, maybe at times we gave it away too quickly. They weren't in a rush to get it to their front men, they just kept it and kept it. As soon as it could go forward it went forward, they were in no rush."

Talking about the last few games John said "We need a point possibly. That means Palace will have to get something from every game. We are a relying on other teams a bit to do us a favour. Possibly if we put the commitment and the performance into Birmingham - you never know, you might get something there and we might even surprise them and get a win. They are a more physical side, and as organised as Blackburn, but for individual skills I think we can match them on that."

On Injuries John explained "There are a few lads who got a few bangs. I've got a couple of stitches in my shin. Danny's (Butterfield) got a bit of a knock. I think Pete has got a sore ankle. Hopefully he might be okay, but we'll just have to wait and see. I'll be alright for Birmingham. I got it first half anyway, I played 45 minutes with it so it's not a problem."

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