Borough late show seals win against bottom club

GRIMSBY Borough increased their lead at the top of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division to eight points after a 2-1 home win against bottom side Athersley.

The visitors took an early lead after five minutes when Declan Martin beat Liam Higton to give them an early confidence boost.

But it was evident as early as the first minutes Borough were in for a tussle against a side that were happy to sit back and hang on to their early lead.

On a heavy pitch the passing wasn’t quite there, giving the opposition opportunities to get a tackle in or clear the ball.

Borough were struggling to lift the tempo, but the visitors were dogged and surprisingly organised for a team at the foot of the table.

Borough started the second half with a bit more spring in their step. Midfielders Owen Davey, Lewis Collins and Tom Sawyer appeared to be quicker to the ball and found their passes.

Good build-up play and possession wasn’t a problem, it was the final pass that was letting the home side down as the visitors were happy to sit and defend.

Borough kept knocking at the door without really testing Smith in the visitors’ goal. On the hour mark, Borough made a double substitution - Jack Debnam came on to replace Caine Winfarrah and Lewis Bemrose replaced Ritchie Burdett.

They continued to lay siege in the visitors’ half and eventually, on 80 minutes, the pressure paid off with Debnam finding the net after a period of good possession. This equaliser didn’t change the visitors’ attitude as they carried on playing deep with a precious point at stake.

Bemrose caused problems with his hold-up play and was supported well by runners in behind. The game entered its final minutes, with the visitors kicking the ball anywhere to clear.

But in the 94th minute, Collins got on a loose ball and hammered home from twenty yards to secure the three points.

Borough’s next home game is on Saturday against Albion Sports (3pm). Spectators welcome.