By Grimsby see out the Daggers in 2-1 victory
Another match day, another massive fixture for Grimsby Town.
If the Mariners had any realistic shot at promotion this season, they would need a perfect climax to their National League campaign.
The Black and White army suffered a heartbreaking smash and grab defeat on Tuesday, a result they would have felt hard done by.
In light of the recent defeat, Town gaffer, Paul Hurst signed a new defender to strengthen the back line.
Jordan Cropper joined the Mariners from Burnley until the end of the season and was named in the starting 11 for today’s match.
Grimsby began the game strong looking to put their nightmare defeat behind them.
It was Harry Clifton who enjoyed the first shot of the clash as he tested the Daggers keeper from distance, winning a corner after his effort was deflected wide.
New signing Jordan Cropper evidenced why the Town gaffer decided to include him after his canon throw-in wreaked havoc in the 6-yard box, although nothing materialised.
Determined to keep National League promotion alive, Grimsby was first to hit gold, Maguire-Drew bagged the opener.
Cropper began the move with another delicious long throw-in which had been cleared by the Daggers defence. Holohan was first to receive the ball after the initial clearance, which he instinctively played across the visitor’s penalty area into the path of JMD, who tapped in after his first shot was saved.
Minutes before the first half concluded, the Mariners doubled their lead from a free kick given after McAtee was fouled.
Maguire-Drew launched the ball into the box and found Luke Waterfall who effortlessly slipped it under Justham.
2-0 up, Grimsby finished the opening 45 in style, Holohan got the second half underway.
Town and the Daggers experienced an open and fairly even affair as the clash got up and running again.
The best opportunity came after the 60th minute, Town fans screamed for a penalty after John McAtee’s guilt-edged-chance was handled by Johnson.
The forward managed to dance around the Daggers keeper before striking the ball towards an empty net, only to have his effort scooped off the line which was missed by the referee and the assistant.
Dagenham & Redbridge did manage to pull one goal back after Callum Reynolds beat Max Crocombe with a header from close range.
The Mariners were in for a tough, nervy finish to the game, luckily they managed to compose themselves to see the game out.
The match ended with Grimsby victorious, redemption after Tuesdays disappointing defeat.
