Grimsby Town’s playoff hopes suffered a dent as they went down 1-0 to relegation-threatened Colchester United, who ended their own dismal run of form at Blundell Park.
The U’s had gone eight League Two matches without a win before winning in Cleethorpes.
A Tight First 45 Minutes
Colchester’s Harry Anderson had two sightings of goal inside the opening ten minutes, firstly failing to get on the end of a Samson Tovide cross before stooping low to head a Lyle Taylor cross straight at Jordan Wright from six yards out.
The hosts were next to squander a great opportunity when some great work from Denver Hume on the left led to a fantastic opportunity for Callum Ainley whose side-footed drive from 15 yards was palmed away by Matt Macey.
The visitors had a chance to take the lead when they caught the Mariners in possession and worked the ball to Samson Tovide. His strike was deflected forcing Jordan Wright into a save low to his left.
A Vital Strike
With just 12 minutes left on the clock, Colchester finally made the breakthrough with a goal that could prove the turning point in their season.
Grimsby were again culpable of losing possession in a dangerous area and the ball found its way to Jack Payne, just inside the home box. He rolled a pass to John-Kymani Gordon who stroked the ball into the corner of the net from 16 yards out.
There was still time for Grimsby to push for an equaliser and it so nearly came in the shape of a Justin Obikwa. The 20-year-old was played in and faced the advancing Macey one-on-one but was thwarted by the legs of the giant keeper.
The defeat was a fifth at home this season for David Artell’s men who dropped out of the top seven.
Danny Cowley Reacts
Colchester manager Danny Cowley was delighted with his side’s first away victory of the season.
“It was a really important win for us.”
“A huge amount of effort went in from the players, who I thought were incredible in the most difficult conditions.”
“Defensively, you have to make sure that you’re always defending the maybes and you expect the unexpected because of the conditions.”
“I thought we did that great and it ultimately gave us the platform to go and win the game.”
Writer’s View
Such a huge win for The U’s and a frustrating afternoon for the Mariners. This could be the victory needed to kick start the season for Cowley’s men while Artell will need to address the home form to mount a playoff challenge.
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.
