By Match report: Town secure another win on the road at Colchester
Grimsby Town claimed their fourth straight league win away from home at Colchester United this afternoon.
Harry Clifton registered his fourth goal of the season in the second half to secure a 1-0 victory for Paul Hurst’s side.
There was just one change to the starting lineup from Tuesday’s draw with Gillingham, as Alex Hunt was drafted into the midfield to replace Bryn Morris, who wasn’t involved in the matchday squad.
The game started at a slow pace, with neither team creating any opportunities in the early exchanges.
Gavan Holohan’s effort from 25 yards was the first test for either keeper, but Kieran O’Hara produced a good save to send it for a corner.
Max Crocombe was then called into action on 17 minutes to thwart Kwesi Appiah at the near post and keep the score level.
Frank Nouble had the ball in the net for the hosts on the 20-minute mark but his celebrations were cut short as the linesman ruled it out for offside.
Richardson had Town’s next chance. He picked up the ball in the centre circle and drove forward towards the penalty area before forcing the Colchester keeper into a save to his right.
The sides went in level at half-time, with Town edging the possession and creating the better chances.
They started the second half on the front foot and could’ve had a penalty for a foul on Ryan Taylor just two minutes in but the referee waved away the appeals.
Although the Mariners continued to dominate the ball in the opening 15 minutes of the half, they couldn’t create any clear opportunities.
Despite that, Town did manage to make the breakthrough in the 63rd minute. Taylor played a lovely ball into Clifton, who was on hand to give his side the lead.
Hurst’s men were comfortable for the next 20 minutes of the game, with Colchester having chances but they failed to hit the target since Appiah went close early on.
Town managed the last few minutes of the match well, limiting the U’s to very little in front of goal to secure the three points.
Clifton’s strike moved the Mariners up to eighth in the League Two table, just one point outside of the playoff places with a game in hand on the teams around them.
