By Grimsby victorious in scrappy away win
Grimsby were victorious in scrappy away win against bottom of the league, Dover Athletic.
Dressed in red, Grimsby’s McAtee kicked off the game at the Crabble Stadium.
The Mariners continued their impressive, aggressive forward play early on, forcing a corner after the first minute but the final delivery into the box was poor.
Despite Grimsby’s recently inspired form, Hurst’s men failed to maintain quality possession on and off the ball after an early half-chance, conceding set pieces and misplacing passes.
Dover also lacked motivation, evidencing their position in the league.
The hosts did have the better opportunity within the opening 10 minutes, Gyasi found himself through on goal but failed to punish Max Crocombe.
The Mariners were quick to respond after Dover’s attack, Efete and Sousa combining with danger along the right-hand side of the pitch.
Tristan Abrahams was next in line to test his luck, winning a corner for Town after his shot was deflected wide, followed by a Pearson volley after Sousa’s delivery.
Grimsby’s increased pressure was shortly rewarded after another set piece resulted in the first goal of the game.
Danny Amos struck the ball beautifully before a deadly Pearson header found the back of the net.
Shaun Pearson’s goal on the 27th minute mark was a catalyst for livelier forward play after a dull and uninspired beginning to the game.
Dover was unlucky not to have equalised after young midfielder, Henry Woods headed the ball over the bar, inadvertently inspiring Grimsby to double their lead just seconds later.
The Mariners broke with pace before Abrahams delightfully lifted the ball over the Dover keeper.
Dover did manage to pull a goal back towards the end of the first half, however, Jake Goodman’s effort causing chaos in the six-yard box before crossing the line.
Dover Athletic began the second half with promise, replicating Towns early corner in the first 45 minutes, Crocombe saving with ease.
Grimsby struggled to break Dover’s ruthless pressure early on, which saw a plethora of chances for the hosts, although nothing materialised for their determination.
Aston Villa loanee, Arjan Raikhy picked up an injury and was replaced by Coke whilst new signing, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe was brought on for goalscorer Abrahams.
It was not long before Grimsby finally took the sting out of Dover’s attacking play, sealing the victory for the travellers.
Clifton fed the ball into McAtee in space before beating nearby defenders and bagging his 11th goal of the season.
The match ended 3-1 to Grimsby, the Mariners taking all three points back home.
Grimsby extend their unbeaten streak and keep promotion dreams alive.
(Image: sjwillerton/ Twitter)
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