By Maguire-Drew scores late to earn Town a point
Paul Hurst’s Mighty Mariners had the opportunity to rectify their 2-0 defeat at Leyton Orient on opening day, a fixture that proved to be frustrating for players and fans alike.
Following the defeat against the O’s, Grimsby Town shocked fans with news that club superstar John McAtee would exit the club after signing for Championship side Luton Town.
Despite penning a contract with the Hatters, McAtee will continue to play his football on loan at Blundell Park, wearing the famous black and white stripes until the end of this season.
The Town gaffer made a single change to his starting eleven ahead of kick-off – Ryan Taylor replaced the injured John McAtee.
This afternoon, Town would face a difficult Northampton side as the Mariners look for their first three points of the new EFL campaign.
Northampton got the game underway.
Grimsby began the game well and pressed high which naturally forced the visitors to make errors. Holohan and Clifton started off particularly strong.
Andy Smith executed a perfectly timed challenged to intercept the ball in Grimsby’s six-yard box, which eradicated danger and kept Town level after 10 minutes of play.
Moments later, the Mariners experienced their first opportunity of the game after Holohan found himself in acres of space. The Irishman looked for the far post and pulled the trigger but could only send his effort wide of the mark.
Harry Clifton’s cross into the Cobblers’ box caused chaos for the visitors who narrowly managed to retain the 0-0 score line. The ball was eventually pushed out for a Grimsby corner, a promising spell for the Black and White Army.
Clifton tracked back to aid his defensive line following a concerning move from Northampton. Magloire had enough time to fire a shot towards the Grimsby net, but Clifton was there to take the sting out of the effort which allowed Crocombe to collect the ball with ease.
GTFC’s new summer signing Brendan Kiernan came close to breaking the deadlock just before half time. The 29-year-old sprinted into the box as he attempted to meet a loose ball in the six-yard area but could only send his effort over the bar.
Both sides were unable to break the deadlock before half time. Grimsby looked likely to net the first goal when the two teams returned to action.
The Mariners emulated their impressive entrance to the first half during the second 45. An initial effort from Taylor forced a critical save from the keeper before Kiernan’s follow up was deflected wide for what should have been a corner.
Paul Hurst’s men continued to apply pressure in the final third as Waterfall tested his luck from the edge of the box. The defenders shot was struck with intent but ultimately blocked – Northampton were hanging by a thread after just 15 minutes into the second half.
The Mariners looked for a penalty after Kiernan was brought down in the box following a quick burst in pace, but the referee waved the claims away.
Against the run of play, Northampton bagged the opening goal, silencing the home supporters. Bowie’s through ball found the feet of Hoskins who slid his effort past Crocombe in the far corner.
Town almost found themselves level just before the 80th minute. Substitute Wearne fired a brilliant effort towards goal which forced the Cobblers’ keeper into action. Then, Wearne and Clifton linked up, the latter saw his shot clip the post.
Maguire-Drew levelled his side with one of his first touches of the ball. The substitute was first to react after the Northampton keeper made an initial save, Maguire-Drew’s goal inspired town fans to get on their feet and fill Blundell Park with chants and cheers.
Town’s first home game of the new season finished 1-1.
