By Weymouth survive Grimsby Town pressure
The Mariners were looking to continue their impressive form after filling their boots at Chesterfield last weekend.
Going into the match, Town were the obvious favourites as Weymouth sat in 23rd. Grimsby’s strike force would have been licking their lips at the prospect of netting one or two goals against a side who had won just 5 games all season.
The hosts got the game underway and experienced the best of the ball during the opening minutes.
Grimsby had been let off after Ash’s headed effort was inches away from beating Max Crocombe from an early corner.
A minute later, John McAtee put the ball in the back of the net, only to have the goal ruled out and play brought back after the Mariners conceded a soft foul.
Grimsby’s confidence began to grow after Weymouth’s excellent start to the game.
Maguire-Drew forced keeper Fitzsimons to make a vital save after his effort looked dangerous around the 6-yard box.
The Mariners kept up the pressure on the hosts, asserting dominance on and off the ball which soon led to a penalty claim.
McAtee struck the ball against a Weymouth defender who seemingly deflected the shot with his arm. Despite the loud protests, officials waved away the penalty appeal.
The Black and White Army looked threatening; their aggressive momentum suggested a goal was imminent.
Whilst efforts from Clifton and Waterfall failed to hit the target, the Mariners looked determined to punish the hosts.
Against the run of play, Weymouth struck the post after Holohan gifted the hosts a free kick. Greenwood curled the ball around the Town wall from 25 yards out, the woodwork coming to the Mariners rescue.
The first half concluded 0-0, both teams evidenced quality attacking play.
Moments after the second half commenced, Grimsby almost found themselves 1-0 down after a misplaced pass found Buse, his effort saved with ease by the Town keeper.
After their nervy entrance to the second 45, the Mariners found their feet and retained the majority of possession.
McAtee and Clifton displayed promising attacking play in the hosts final third.
John McAtee revelled in a plethora of goal scoring opportunities, but lacked accuracy whilst the latter forced the Weymouth keeper into acrobatics.
With just over 10 minutes to be played, Weymouth were lucky not to have conceded after Smith’s effort was cleared off the line.
Max Crocombe was forced into action in the dying moments to prevent a Weymouth winner, after the Mariners were caught on the break.
The game concluded all square, Grimsby doing everything correct expect from scoring.
(Image: keets5/ Twitter)
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