Low marks for below-par Town after home loss halts mini-run
GRIMSBY Town were brought back down to earth on Tuesday night as their winning run was brought to an end by Harrogate.
Two Jack Muldoon goals either side of James Tilley’s equaliser saw the Mariners fall to a 2-1 defeat on their return to Blundell Park.
And in truth, the visitors were well worth their victory as Town failed to get going on a disappointing night in Cleethorpes.
James Findlater shares his player ratings following the defeat...
James McKeown: A bad mistake led to Muldoon opening the scoring for the visitors. Redeemed himself somewhat with a good save shortly after, but he won’t want to look back on that goal any time soon 5/10
Luke Hendrie: Stuck to his task on the right, although perhaps looked a little tired after a draining week for the Mariners 5/10
Luke Waterfall: On a night when his team-mates weren’t at the races, the former Lincoln man at least provided a steady presence at the back 6/10 Mattie Pollock: Not his finest night. Came under pressure from Aaron Martin all night, and a lapse in concentration in the second half almost cost him dearly 4/10
Danny Preston: Had a tough night down the lefthand side. Martin and co looked potent down his flank, and he copped an earful on a few occasions from Waterfall 4/10
Harry Clifton: His usual energetic self, and Town could have perhaps done with some of that more in the centre of the park. Showed his frustration at times 5/10
James Morton: Struggled in the middle, and his passing - which by all accounts is his strong point - was off. Looks to still be settling in 4/10
Luke Spokes: Handed his first start in the league, and the box-to-box midfielder probably found himself closer to his own penalty area more than he would have liked 4/10
James Tilley: Another goal to bring Town back into it immediately after falling behind. Got himself on the ball and tried to make things happen, and was certainly one of the brighter sparks for Town 6/10
Montel Gibson: Didn’t really get much of a chance to add to his tally after Saturday. A frustrating night for the frontman 5/10
Owura Edwards: Came off early, and given the impact he’s had so far, Ian Holloway will be crossing his fingers his injury isn’t too serious
From the bench
Kyle Bennett (Edwards 7): A debut off the bench, but things didn’t really work out for him. Taken off again after around 45 minutes 4/10
Virgil Gomis (Bennett 52): Had one brief sight of goal, but otherwise wasn’t presented with any chances on his debut 5/10
James Hanson (Spokes 68): Understandably looked a little rusty, and wasn’t helped by Town struggling to break down their opponents 5/10 Not used: Battersby, Mohsni, Starbuck, Jackson Jr.