Mariners’ survival hopes take heavy blow
POOR HOME DEFEAT LEAVES TOWN CLINGING ON BY THEIR FINGERTIPS
GRIMSBY Town fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Leyton Orient as they faltered once again in the battle against relegation.
Dan Happe’s first half goal was enough to secure the visitors the victory, although they had plenty of chances to make their win more comfortable as the Mariners once again failed to get going.
Having made four changes at Harrogate, Paul Hurst made another four adjustments to his side as he reverted back to the team that started the win over Crawley seven days previously.
Joe Bunney, Danny Rose, Filipe Morais and Joe Adams returned to the side as Mattie Pollock, Luke Hendrie, Giles Coke and James Hanson made way.
Orient suffered a blow after just a couple of minutes as they were forced into an early change, with Adam Thompson forced off having landing awkwardly after an aerial challenge with Luke Waterfall, with Happe coming on to replace him.
Morais was first to chance his arm as he tried to repeat his trick from seven days previously, but his shot from distance on this occasion did trouble Lawrence Vigouroux as it bobbled well wide.
Although Happe was an enforced change, he quickly made an impact as he gave the visitors the lead just before the 20-minute mark. A succession of set-pieces led to the ball being flicked towards the substitute at the back post, where he was left with the simplest of finishes as the inquisition began among Town’s defenders.
There was some urgency from Town in trying to find an equaliser, but little to no quality on show until Idris El Mizouni beat a few Orient players as he cut inside from the left before just curling his effort over the bar, with Vigouroux clearly uncertain whether it might have been just sneaking in.
Town were fortunate not to find themselves further behind before the break as Orient went perilously close to doubling their lead. Jake Eastwood was fortunate not to have his mistake punished when he spilled Danny Johnson’s effort from 20 yards, but just about recovered to prevent Dan Kemp from turning home.
Kemp had an even easier opportunity just before the break as James Brophy moved into acres of space from the left before laying off to his team-mate, who somehow managed to smash his effort against the crossbar when it seemed easier to score.
Kemp almost produced an action replay after the break, only this chance was arguably even easier as he managed to strike the underside of the crossbar when presented with a clear sight of goal, with Town receiving yet another let-off.
The changes took their time to emerge for Town, but when they did, they almost made an impact as Hanson and Lenell John-Lewis linked up well before the latter struck the base of the post after picking up some space. Julien Lamy provided more threat after making his way onto the pitch, first shooting at Vigouroux before turning creator moments later as his cross was headed straight at the Orient keeper by John-Lewis.
Brophy had the chance to finish things off late on but dragged his shot horribly across the face of goal, but it didn’t matter as Town were sentenced to another defeat as their fight against relegation became that bit harder.
PAUL Hurst admitted some “home truths” were shared in the Grimsby Town dressing room after they fell to another defeat against Leyton Orient.
The Mariners were beaten 1-0 at Blundell Park as Dan Happe’s first half goal proved enough for the visitors to pick up their first win in eight games.
In truth, the O’s could – and probably should – have settled things earlier than they did, with Dan Kemp striking the woodwork twice from good positions.
In the end though, it didn’t matter, and Hurst was left wondering about his players’ desire as they failed to make up any ground in their battle against relegation.
“We never got started in the first half,” Hurst said.
“That performance was not anywhere close to what I expect, and I think if the players are totally honest, what they expect.
“Second half was better, but it could only go one way realistically. I have to say I thought the subs had a positive impact for us. They looked like they wanted to be out there. “I’ve asked questions of the players, there were a few home truths in there about the overall picture, what this means, and what it means to people directly, whether it’s players, staff, staff at the football club as a whole.
“Some lads have been in the league below, I’ve certainly been there and know what it’s about. “Whether it’s loan players, players up at the end of the season, players that are here beyond the end of the season, we’ve all got to understand and appreciate that situation we’re in.
“At the minute, I think we’re all in agreement that things have improved, but they’re not translating to the pitch when it matters.
“It falls at my doorstep, I accept that, I’ve got to try and find a way of us playing, find the best team, but at the minute, I think we’d all be in agreement that’s very difficult.
“We’re not getting enough players that are anywhere close to the form that we need them to be in.”