By Grimsby confirms play-off spot thanks to ‘magic McAtee’
Grimsby Town confirms a play-off spot thanks to the “magic of McAtee”
The Mariners went into tonight’s fixture knowing that a draw would be enough to obtain a play-off spot.
The Black and White Army suffered numerous losses at the weekend, not just the disappointing 3-1 score line.
Luke Waterfall picked up a straight red card whilst Sean Scannell was forced off with another injury blow. Both players, integral to the Mariners roster, were rendered absent for Towns final home fixture of the season.
Vanarama National League Manager of the month for April, Paul Hurst, announced multiple changes to his team following their 3-1 defeat to Maidenhead United.
Pearson replaced the suspended Waterfall whilst John McAtee started for the Mariners.
Tonight would provide a different task for Grimsby as Boreham Wood sat in 9th place prior to kick off.
Fox got the game underway for the hosts.
The opening moments displayed an even competition as both sides looked to settle into the match, although Town had managed to win the first corner of the night thanks to Sousa’s quick feet.
Just after the 10-minute mark, Max Crocombe was forced into action to make a brave save after Dennon Lewis found himself through on goal.
Seconds later, the Mariners broke with pace on the counterattack. Harry Clifton swung the ball into the near post towards Taylor, but his effort could only brush the post. A let off for the visitors.
The Mariners were soon rewarded for their pressure in the final third as McAtee fired home to send Blundell Park into pure elation.
The forward was first to react following a defensive error and subsequently found himself with just the keeper to beat. He effortlessly slotted the ball into the back of the net, before the Town players collectively ran towards the corner flag to wish Scannell a speedy recovery.
Grimsby continued to press in the Wood’s final third. Opportunities from McAtee and Pearson were inches away from adding two more brilliantly worked goals.
The first half concluded with the Black and White Army leading 1-0. The BBC Radio Humberside panel described the latter moments of the first 45 as “scrappy”, but the “magic of McAtee” proved too strong for Boreham Wood.
The visitors got the second half underway.
Just after the break, McAtee had the ball in the back of the net yet again, this time however, the goal was ruled out for offside.
One minute later, and onside, Fox launched the ball towards McAtee who drove goalwards and forced Ashmore into action. Grimsby looked increasingly likely to double their lead.
With 15 minutes left to play, Sousa and Clifton combined in a delightful sequence of football. Clifton’s headed effort was straight down the keeper’s throat.
The game concluded with a Grimsby win, meaning a play-off position is now guaranteed. 1-0 the final score.
