By 10-Men Grimsby defeated following ‘two minutes from hell’
Grimsby Town suffered defeat following “two minutes from hell”.
The Mariners played their penultimate home fixture of the season today as they looked to extend their unbeaten streak to eight.
The Black and White Army came from behind last weekend to secure a vital point towards the play-off battle, during a 2-2 draw at Barnet.
Two late goals from Andy Smith and Luke Waterfall broke Barnet hearts late on.
Ahead of this afternoon’s match, gaffer Paul Hurst named John McAtee on the bench having recovered from an injury obtained at King’s Lynn in April.
Grimsby’s opponents, 16th place Maidenhead United, had managed to turn their form around in recent weeks. The Magpies were undefeated in six games, although the Mariners were still favourites on paper.
Grimsby got the game underway.
Town started strong having enjoyed two early shots on goal.
Scannell danced his way into the Maidenhead box before he blasted his effort towards goal. Keeper Dan Gyollai was forced into action to prevent the opener. Holohan retrieved the clearance and saw his shot fizz wide.
Grimsby continued to apply pressure in the visitors final third. Tristan Abrahams had his audacious effort tipped onto the bar after he lofted the ball goalwards.
The Mariners suffered yet another injury blow as Sean Scannell was forced off the pitch after just 13 minutes.
The 31-year-old winger had made an impressive entrance during the fixture. Maguire-Drew was brought on as a result.
Having started so well, Grimsby found themselves 2-0 down after a bizarre two minutes of football.
Luke Waterfall put the ball in his own net for the second week in a row following miscommunication from himself and Max Crocombe.
Moments later, Waterfall received a straight red card for a professional foul, conceding a penalty in the process. Sam Barrett converted from the spot.
Despite trailing, the Mariners looked the stronger side. Headed efforts from Clifton and Pearson evidenced an attacking threat, but nothing materialised.
The first half concluded 2-0 to Maidenhead although Grimsby looked likely to score the next goal!
Speaking at half time on BBC Radio Humberside, John Tondeur and Gary Croft summed up the first half as “two minutes from hell”
The Magpies kicked off the second 45.
Much like the first half, Grimsby displayed dangerous forward play, winning corner after corner and testing Gyollai from all angles.
Holohan and Abrahams linked up during a beautiful spell of football, the latter then tested his luck as he looked for the far corner but the keeper was able to save the effort.
Maidenhead added a third against the run of play, with just 20 minutes left to play. Ryan Upward slotted his effort home to make it 3-0.
One down two to go! Grimsby’s Tristan Abrahams scored from the penalty spot after he was brought down in the box.
Although the Mariners retained the majority of the ball, the Black and White Army were unable to punish the Magpies.
The game finished 3-1. Maidenhead end Grimsby’s unbeaten run.
