By Grimsby knocked out of FA Cup after controversial penalty
Grimsby Town have been knocked out of the FA Cup by National League North side Kidderminster Harriers after a controversial penalty saw Town lose 1-0.
The Mariners were the better team for the majority of the game but didn’t threaten the goal enough and a penalty by Ashley Hemmings, which was the Harriers’ only clear-cut chance, was the difference.
The penalty came as Luke Waterfall left a leg out which Kidderminster’s Ethan Freemantle took advantage of, going down and earning his side a penalty.
Grimsby were left dumfounded just a few moments later when Ben Fox went down at the other end in a clear goal-scoring opportunity, but no penalty was given to the away side.
Chants of ‘1-0 to the referee’ were belted out by the 921 travelling Grimsby fans, making their feelings about referee Gareth Rhodes crystal clear.
Town had a few chances prior to going behind, with Harry Clifton slotting through returning Michee Efete who hit the near post with his across-goal effort.
Lenell John-Lewis almost scored immediately after coming on for Will Bapaga – who was precautiously taken off after struggling with a potential injury – but goalkeeper Luke Simpson was equal to it.
Paul Hurst had surprisingly changed system for this game to a five-at-the-back with Efete and Revan operating as wing-backs, and while Efete was impressive, it did not stop a recent creative slump as big chances were few and far between.
Joel Grant came on late on for his Town debut but created little and couldn’t stop the Mariners from suffering a cup upset and a third successive defeat.
The loss means that Town lose away at a side one league below them in the First Round for the second year in a row and dreams of a cup run are quickly quashed.
Grimsby now have a week to reset and recharge before they are back in league action away at Aldershot next Saturday.
