The wind just ruined the game, says Jolley

BOTH managers bemoaned the conditions after Grimsby and Northampton played out a dour goalless draw at Blundell Park.

Neither side were able to get to grips with the strong winds throughout the game at Blundell Park, with both keepers having a quiet afternoon.

Grimsby’s best chances came from efforts from distance, while Northampton perhaps came closest when Aaron Pierre shot wide during the final minutes of the clash.

For the hosts, though, the result brings to an end a run of three straight defeats, and boss Michael Jolley is now looking ahead after their first point in March.

“The first thing to say is the conditions made the game extremely difficult for both teams,” Jolley said.

“It’s not an excuse, but I think it was a fairly poor spectacle overall, and I think the conditions played a big part in that.

“The second part of that is Northampton have a particular style of play, and if there was ever a day that you don’t want to play a team like that, it’s when the conditions are like that. It made it difficult to get any real rhythm or flow to our game. But to produce some good play in the first half I think is something to build on.”

Jake Hessenthaler and Wes Thomas both went close with efforts from distance for the hosts.

The Cobblers’ Sam Hoskins headed a decent chance wide, while Sam Foley looked to catch Mariners stopper James McKeown off his line from halfway, but he managed to stretch just enough to prevent the ball from looping over his head.

For the visitors, a run of four straight wins comes to an end, although they remain six points off the play-off places.

And for their boss Keith Curle, a point in testing conditions was greeted as a sign of progress.

“There wasn’t a lot of quality, but I think it’s a good when you walk into the changing room and we’re disappointed to only pick up a point away from home with a clean sheet,” Curle said.

“I think neither team were able to have any fluidity in their play.

“Overall, though, I thought it was a fantastic battling performance away from home.”