Planet Swans ArchivesOur first visit to Grimsby, and after last weeks late postponement of the home game against Darlington, the journey up the M1 was slightly worrying as the mist turned to fog. However all was clear as we neared Grimsby although Cleethorpes was our destination. Blundell Park as with the Vetch has seen better days with one modern stand but the rest of the ground although all seated has seen better days. Today’s gate of 4618 included approx 270 visiting fans.
The opening minutes of the first half brought memories of the away game at Southend with the Swans slow to start giving the initiative to Grimsby, who luckily can be said didn’t really know what to do with it. That is as an end result only, elsewhere on the pitch they seemed stronger and quicker to the ball. We were being hustled out of the game, although unlike some teams in the division they were doing it fairly. Direct shots on goal were few and far between, and those that did lacked any power. It was well over the 15 minute mark before the Swans had a real attempt on goal. Grimsby did most of their attacking down the left and Gurney did seem to be struggling against the pace of these attacks. A shock for our defence came on the half hour mark when, after a foul by Austin on Reddy, a free kick by Fleming into the six yard box was met centre goal by Jones who headed weakly allowing Gueret to save. The Swans did improve at this point as Grimsby lacked ideas and had a couple of half chances, but that’s all they were as both keepers were hardly troubled. The Swans again took their foot off the gas and on 35mins didn’t close down on the edge of the area allowing Dean Gordon plenty of time to put in a dipping swerving shot which Gueret blocked well with both fists. The game petered out tamely from this point to half-time. Gurney had received a yellow for arguing.
The second half came to life before many fans had returned to their seats. A mistake on the left of defence saw Gueret block at his near post and with the ball running away from goal Monk brought down Reddy with a heavy challenge. The result a penalty, and Reddy unable to continue replaced by Colin Cramb. After a lengthy delay Dean Gordon took the penalty which was well saved by Willy Gueret. The Swans now had to withstand a long period of pressure as Grimsby, prompted by Andy Parkinson in midfield looked for a goal. On 55 minutes Gordon sent a deep cross into the six yard box for Colin Cramb to had home.
At this point there seemed no way back into the game as we had threatened very little up front. It’s strange but at this point the game swung in the Swans favour as we upped the tempo and became the more dominant team. Connor was replaced by Fitzgerald and Britton by Nugent, as the Swans changed to 4-3-3. On 70mins Ricketts sent in a near post cross which Nugent tried to get with a diving header.
The ref decided that the slightest nudge from Jones warranted a penalty. Trundle stepped up placing the ball into the corner of the net. The Swans were now looking the team that might snatch a win. A powerful free kick by Gurney was saved, a Shot by Forbes and a Trundle effort that looped up off a defensive boot nearly brought the second goal. Three further chances fell to Fitzgerald who wanted too much time and on one occasion shot weakly whilst Trundle was clear on goal. With 5mins to go Tate replaced Forbes.
One final heart stopper as Gueret came out of his area and instead of putting the ball out for safety, played the ball up the touchline towards the half-way line. Parkinson intercepted but sent his shot well wide.
Players Comments Gueret – Kept us in the game, but could well have given the point away at the end, overall another solid performance. Gurney – Battled well, but struggled on many occasions Monk – Commanding in the air but struggled on the ground. Austin – The opposite to Monk Ricketts – Solid overall but did wander at times. Forbes – As usual ran his heart out, defended well, and a couple of good crosses, but drifted in and out of the game. Martinez – Overall a good display but tended to overplay O’Leary – Very quiet game until midway through the second half when a couple of crunching tackles kept the momentum going. Britton – Never got into the game. Is better as a mid-half sub. Connor – Poor game offered little in attacking options. Trundle – Anonymous in the first half. Improved in the second, but off the pace, as would normally buried a couple of chances that came his way. Nugent – His battling changed things up front. Tate – Not on long enough A point from a game that for 60% saw us on the back-foot. Again we battled back but a few cracks are showing especially the lack of goals.
