Grimsby Town keeper Jordan Wright was the hero for his side at Newport County helping to secure a point for his side.
Wright made a number of saves, including one from the spot, to secure a point for the Mariners.
The Wright Stuff
Grimsby’s stopper was called into a double save after pushing away a curling effort from the edge of the box was fired straight back at him by Bobby Kamwa. Wright palmed the ball away before it was cleared to safety.
He was called into more action in the second half when a Bryn Morris cross from the right found its way to substitute Michael Spellman. The 22-year-old went through on goal but saw his effort smothered by Wright.
It was then the turn of home keeper Nick Townsend to have his palms stung. A nice interchange between Denver Hume and Evan Khouri town Grimsby’s left led to the latter testing Townsend with a left-footed drive that was fisted away.
The hosts had another great chance to snatch all three points but substitute Courtney Baker-Richardson was unable to convert from close range after a Cameron Antwi cross.
Controversial Moment
The real moment of contention in the match came just before the hour when The Exiles were awarded a penalty by referee James Oldham.
Grimsby’s Kieran Green cleanly knocked the ball away on the stretch from striker Kyle Hudlin only for the man in black to point to the spot.
It was Hudlin who stepped up to take the kick only to see his effort palmed away by Wright low to his left.
Manager Reaction
Newport boss Nelson Jardim was left with a bitter taste following his side’s inability to convert one point into three.
“It was a bitter taste at the end. But I have to focus on the overall performance, and we were good.”
Opposite number David Artell was, unsurprisingly, not impressed with the penalty against his side.
“The penalty decision was horrific. Both benches agreed that’s just not a penalty.”
Writer’s View
Grimsby’s away form has been impressive this season and Newport has been hard to beat at home so perhaps a draw was to be expected.
The Exiles will be disappointed not to take all three points, particularly with the penalty miss and The Mariners will be thankful their keeper was in such fine form.
A primary school teacher turned writer, Tom has been part of The Real EFL for two years. He focuses on predictions, deep dives, and insightful content.
