By Grimsby slump to shock Wealdstone defeat
Grimsby Town have fallen to a lacklustre 1-0 defeat away to Wealdstone in the first-ever meeting between the two sides after a Matt Buse first half strike.
The Mariners were sloppy all game and gave away a penalty in the 12th minute when Luke Waterfall caught returning Wealdstone midfielder Matt Buse.
Josh Umerah stepped up to take the spot kick but James McKeown was equal to it and stopped it down to his left corner.
That warning should have woken the Mariners up but Wealdstone’s continued pressure broke the Town defence when an unmarked Buse struck at the edge of the box at a corner.
The first half saw Town create little and things went from bad to worse when talisman John McAtee limped off at the start of the second half.
Max Wright replaced him as Will Bapaga moved into McAtee’s vacant position but the pace of the wingers couldn’t break through a solid Wealdstone defence.
Former Mariner Ira Jackson Jr. came close to doubling the home side’s advantage but fluffed his lines, while Town’s best chance came when a Waterfall header was cleared off the line.
It was a poor showing by Town who lacked sharpness and were overwhelmed in midfield by Wealdstone’s 3-5-2 set up.
The Mariners remain top of the National League table, despite the loss, but their advantage is cut to just one point after Chesterfield’s 1-0 win against Eastleigh.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s game against title rivals Notts County at Blundell Park with both John McAtee and Harry Clifton looking doubtful to appear.
Clifton was ruled out of today’s game at Wealdstone after getting a knock against Yeovil on the weekend.
