'Point gained' for Grimsby Town as two sent off in feisty derby scrap
PAUL Hurst insists that Grimsby Town’s home draw with Lincoln City was a point gained – after a gruelling derby battle at a packed Blundell Park.
A New Year’s Day crowd of 7,405 watched as a below-par Mariners display saw them struggle to a 1-1 stalemate with their local rivals.
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Grimsby Town and Lincoln City players involved in a flashpoint during yesterday’s 1-1 draw at Blundell Park. The point keeps Town top of the table.
Both sides had a player sent off and there were bookings, fouls and scuffles galore in a typically tempestuous derby clash.
However, Town defender Ian Miller’s first-half equaliser proved enough to keep the hosts at the summit of the Blue Square Bet Premier.
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And joint boss Hurst was quick to accentuate the positives – despite what he admits was a disappointing performance.
“When you consider that we had to finish the game with ten men and that we haven’t played well, then it’s probably a point gained,” he said.
“Looking at the other results yesterday, it could have certainly been worse for us. It was a very scrappy game. Every opportunity they had, they threw the big men forward, with lots of long throws and lots of free-kicks, and in general we defended them quite well, particularly when we went down to ten men.
“When we went forward early in the game we looked like we were causing problems, but we were second-best in terms of a lot of second balls and we didn’t pass the ball, which is unusual for us.
“Our players are an honest bunch and at half-time they weren’t happy with each other, and I’m sure after the game they weren’t.
“We know collectively that it wasn’t good enough yesterday.”
Hurst was keen to pay tribute to the Mariners fans, however. He believes the large home support made a huge difference in the closing stages, especially after full-back Aswad Thomas’ sending off.
“It was fantastic to get that many fans to watch us,” he added.
“It was just a shame we couldn’t perform to the levels that we have been, but, that said, they’re supporting a team that’s top of the league with a chance of getting promotion. If many of them come back again, I’d like to think that most times they’ll see a better game.
“We thank them – when we went down to ten men they really started to make some noise.”
Comments
by drenetar
Thursday, January 03 2013, 10:21AM
“I agree Arthur I couldn't understand him getting involved, but after he'd been booked he was out their again when Azwad was sent off risking the same fate,but in general he had a good game pulling off some fine saves”
by ArthurCrown
Thursday, January 03 2013, 12:37AM
“Yes what a VERY disappointing performance it really was. One of the only players for Town that came out with any "real" merit was Marcus Marshall who looked dangerous and threatening every time he got the ball. Yes we didn't lose but boy oh boy I think most Town fans would have to admit that on the day we were second best overall. That said these things happen and we cannot play silky football every game as much as we would like.It just happens sometimes. One incident I hope we can learn from and I'm sure a lot of Town fans couldn't understand is as to why our keeper had to race the full length of the pitch to get involved in an incident in the opposing penalty box and subsequently end up getting booked! Why? Don't do it buddy! (although you did redeem yourself with a string of outstanding saves particularly the "Banks against Pele" style save in the first half!.) UTM.”
by pontoonergy
Wednesday, January 02 2013, 3:00PM
“Town play much better football when they play the passing game,Lincoln stopped us in our tracks when we tried to play that way which resulted into our team playing the boring hoof ball game.The crowd was awesome once again but the noise level soon dropped off when Lincoln scored the first goal,but dusty soon got us going again with a smash of a goal....... well done to you dusty for that.The only reason Lincoln played the passing game at times was Town gave them the freedom to do this.What i did see a repeat of (boxing day game at Sincil Bank)how their dirty players still getting away with two footed tackles,Bradders did escape what could have been a severe injury the same for Aswad at Sincil Bank.I think on the day 1-1 was a fair result for both teams...... there was true winners though on the day at BP Fortress " GRIMSBY FANS",and Lincoln City will never be able to compete with such a passionate crowd..... massive well done to all who attended.Utmm.”
by Malcolm_Ex
Wednesday, January 02 2013, 1:02PM
“Niven was appalling first half, can't think I've ever seen anyone play as badly as that - ever! I Town were playing the long ball at every opportunity and to be fair to Lincoln City they did try and play, especially first half. Town seemed too keen to impress the bigger than usual crowd.”