By Tshimanga late strike steals points as Grimsby lose again
Kabongo Tshimanga’s 18th goal of the season was enough to steal all three points for table-topping Chesterfield at Blundell Park.
The goal came in the 84th minute from a a rebound from a set piece and was the first clear-cut chance for either side in a game that lacked true quality.
Grimsby were suffering with injuries and suspensions to key players so switched systems and played in a 5-3-2, which worked well to stop Chesterfield’s characteristic quick starts, however that left the first half looking scrappy and lacking of quality.
The ball didn’t get played on the ground enough and the first half was like a game of ping pong with both sides looking to send it long and in the air, with soft fouls and long waits at throw-ins frustrating the 6,504 supporters.
The hosts started the second half well, finally playing the ball on the ground and looked to be the better side at the hour mark.
Michee Efete did well on the right side but lacked quality with his crosses in a theme which ran through the team as the hosts could not break through a solid defence and create any real chances of note.
The home fans felt aggrieved by a number of refereeing decisions that went against them, notably a suspected hand ball by a Chesterfield player on the edge of their box, as well as a challenge on Bell in the penalty area, which other referees would have given.
Paul Hurst was reluctant in making any chances and did not do so until the 82nd minute when Lenell John-Lewis replaced Ryan Taylor in a like-for-like change at the top.
‘The Shop’ didn’t have time to make a real impact on the game before Chesterfield’s Tshimanga caught Grimsby napping and struck past Max Colcombe just over five minutes from the death.
Sean Scannell came on to make his first appearance of the season alongside Jordan Maguire-Drew as The Mariners searched for an equaliser.
Colcombe got a strong hand on Tshimanga’s strike with three minutes to go to deny Chesterfield sealing the game with a second but it ultimately counted for nought.
The loss means that Grimsby have fallen out of the play-off places for the first time this campaign before their rescheduled match with second placed Boreham Wood next Tuesday night.
