Town snatch 3 points thanks to late Waterfall goal

Paul Hurst’s Black and White Army travelled to Rochdale this afternoon coming off the back of a dominant performance in the Carabao Cup midweek. 

Grimsby hosted Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night, a cup fixture that entertained fans from start to finish. Aribim Pepple received his Mariners debut during the confident 4-0 victory and was named on the bench for this afternoon’s League Two clash. 

Ahead of the away trip to the Dale, the Town gaffer spoke about the “difficult task” that his side would face whilst seeking his first win back in the EFL. 

It was the hosts that got the game underway. 

Grimsby faced heavy pressure from the Dale early on which forced Town’s backline into action straight out of the gates. 

Henderson caused the Mariners several issues as they looked to net the opener, but Grimsby skipper Luke Waterfall had other plans.  

After five minutes of play, Waterfall’s blocking interception eradicated the Dale’s goal threat as Henderson’s effort looked goal bound. 

Moments later, Rochdale continued to press in Town’s final third, but Henderson’s ambitious effort failed to test Crocombe, instead his effort fizzed past the post. 

Hull City loanee Andy Smith came to his sides rescue following a scramble in the Grimsby box, the defender cleared the ball away to keep his team level. 

Town eventually enjoyed their first shot on goal after a brutal opening 20 minutes – Taylor’s headed effort was met with promise but ultimately saved by O’Donnell between the Dale sticks. 

Michee Efete executed a heroic tackle to snatch the ball away from Rodney before he could pull the trigger in a dangerous position. 

Ryan Taylor attempted to take the sting out of the Dale just before the 30th minute mark with an audacious strike on the edge of the box but was unable to keep his effort from raising over the bar. 

Town began to ease into the first half during the final 15 minutes before the break, winning a string of corners but failing to capitalise on the set pieces. 

In the dying minutes of the first 45, Morris struck the bar from 25-yards-out as the Mariners evidenced their deadly forward play. 

The first half concluded 0-0 as both sides endured defensive spells and goalscoring opportunities. 

Grimsby started the second half with their eyes on all three points with Morris and Clifton in the thick of the action. 

The Mariners were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position following a challenge on Clifton. A confident Morris took the set piece but could only send the ball wide. 

Clifton was first to react after a headed effort from the Grimsby skipper was deflected, the formers strike forced the keeper to make a save as the Mariners continued to bang on the door. 

Glennon and Waterfall linked up as Town looked for an opener, the new summer signing delivered a delicious ball into the box which fell kindly to the latter, the resulting effort was sent over the bar – another promising spell for Hurst’s Mariners.

Efete almost broke the deadlock with just over 10 minutes left to play. The defender was found in space but his header hit the ground before traveling towards goal which provided the keeper with an easy save.

Glennon and Clifton linked up again in the final moments of the 90, Clifton was found by Glennon in the box who met the ball with a glancing headed effort that fizzed just wide.

The Mariners finally got what they deserved following an impressive display of attacking football during the second half.

Town skipper Luke Waterfall headed home the winning goal to snatch all three points for his side.

The game concluded in victory for the Mariners, Paul Hurst’s side would bring all three points back to Blundell Park.

(Image: Grimsby Town Football Club)