Sousa star man in much-needed win
GRIMSBY Town got back to winning ways thanks to a 1-0 victory over Southend United.
The Mariners ended a run of four consecutive defeats thanks to Ryan Taylor’s sixth of the season in the third minute.
He pounced in the area to stroke the ball home after Southend failed to clear their lines in a frantic start at Blundell Park.
Despite creating numerous chances to double their lead, Town were held just a solitary goal, whilst keeping Southend at bay at the opposite end to record a muchsought-after clean sheet.
Here’s how we rated their performance, with a six representing par for the course.
James McKeown: Commanded his area well but wasn’t unduly tested throughout the 90 minutes - 7
Michee Efete: Provides a real outlet down the right. Played a lovely pass into the area for Clifton who shot just wide - 7
Luke Waterfall: Town looked more settled at the back and Waterfall was solid as a rock, as usual - 7
Shaun Pearson: Considering this was his first 90 minutes in over two months, Pearson was great. Used his experience to keep Murphy quiet and was dominant in the air - 7
Adam Crookes: Back in at left-back and the balance was much better with Efete driving forward whilst he sat deeper - 7
Alex Hunt: Passing was wayward and he was guilty of giving the ball away cheaply, particularly in the first half. Subbed after 77 minutes - 5
Giles Coke: Solid whilst unspectacular. Provided a better screen for the defence than they perhaps had at Aldershot Town -6
Erico Sousa: Everything positive that the Mariners did going forward came through him. Switched to the left-wing and had John White on toast throughout. End product was much better although he’d have liked a goal to cap his performance - 9 (Star man)
Ben Fox: Offers the Mariners great pressing from a more advanced role, albeit he didn’t have much opportunity to carve Southend open - 7
Harry Clifton: Slightly less effective off the right-hand side after an early switch. His work rate is infectious though. Almost doubled the lead with a smart strike in the first half - 7
Ryan Taylor: His best performance for a few matches. Not only with the goal but his link-up play was superb. Led the line excellently and occupied the Southend defence -8
Substitutes
John McAtee (Hunt, 78) - Great to see him back on the pitch.
Seb Revan (Sousa, 90)