Harry Clifton shines during Grimsby win

Harry Clifton shines during Grimsby win

Harry Clifton shined during another comeback win for Grimsby Town.

The Black and White Army would have been looking to retain their impressive unbeaten streak this afternoon. 

Grimsby were previously undefeated in five games, taking six huge points from Chesterfield Town and league leaders, Stockport County. 

However, the Gulls have also impressed in recent weeks, most notably during their fixture against Notts County, a 5-1 thrashing. 

Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside ahead of today’s match, Paul Hurst described Torquay’s performance against the Magpies as “excellent” 

The Mariners had suffered a massive blow during their visit to King’s Lynn Town on April 18, after John McAtee picked up a nasty shoulder injury. 

Despite the Town gaffer remaining optimistic during an interview on Thursday (April 21), the injury rendered the striker out of action for this afternoon’s clash. 

Holohan got the game underway for the Mariners. 

Danny Wright enjoyed the first shot on goal. His effort was tame and Max Crocombe was able to clean up. 

Grimsby managed to break up Torquay’s intense entrance to the game, numerous Town players were able to string quick passes to one another before the ball was lifted into the box, towards Harry Clifton. His shot fizzed wide. 

Crocombe was forced into action to keep his side level after a dangerous Armani Little strike looked goalbound. 

Meanwhile, Clifton was inches away from a Grimsby opener at the opposite end. The Town man was able to reclaim possession after Efete was manhandled off the ball, but his effort was well saved. 

Overall, the visitors looked most likely to score first, a notion evidenced just before the 30th minute. 

It was captain Asa Hall who opened the scoreline after blasting the ball into the roof of the net. 

Although the Mariners found themselves 1-0 down, they continued to press with Clifton at the heart of multiple promising spells. 

10 minutes before the first half concluded, Scannell almost caught Macdonald sleeping with a deadly half-volley. The keeper pulled off a remarkable save to hush any premature goal celebrations. 

Harry Clifton, Grimsby’s best player during the first 45, netted the equaliser with a delicious shot from distance. 

Taylor squared the ball to the midfielder who pulled the trigger from around 25-yards out. His effort proved too strong for the keeper, 1-1. 

Moments before the referee’s whistle went, the Mariners experienced two brilliant chances to propel themselves in front. 

Scannell and Efete both found themselves inside the Torquay box but were unable to capitalise on the scenario. 

The first half finished all square. Grimsby looked calmer on and off the ball following Clifton’s goal. 

Michee Efete and Ryan Taylor linked up during the early moments of the second 45, the latter played Efete into the box who looked for the near post. The keeper was there to nullify the move.

The Black and White Army looked like a completely different side after the first half as the Mariners enjoyed a plethora of bright attacking moves.

Taylor’s strike on 55 minutes smashed against the bar, before Amos lifted the ball into Maguire-Drew who’s headed effort was caught by Macdonald moments later.

Scannell and Clifton combined again as Town pressed for the winner. Clifton could only send his effort into the Pontoon with just 10 minutes to play.

Grimsby were awarded a penalty during stoppage time after Amos was fouled.

Blundell Park erupted after Tristan Abrahams bagged the winner.

The match ended 2-1 to Grimsby Town. The Mariners increased their unbeaten streak to six.