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Back Down to Earth

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 30/08/2025

A frustrating afternoon for the Mariners saw Town lose their unbeaten start to the season, when Bristol Rovers scored the only goal of a game which saw Town struggle to break down their opponents.

David Artell reached to his squad to try and freshen up his side after Wednesday's win over Man Utd. Kabia Amaluzor, Turi, and Staunton all started with Sweeney, Burns, Gardner and McEachran all dropping to the bench.

Town struggled to create anything in the first half, where set pieces were their best opportunities. Bristol Rovers had not seriously threatened Town's goal when they took the lead with their first good chance. A corner was headed clear, and it fell to Southam-Hales, standing just outside the box, who superbly volleyed it, giving Pymn no chance.

Burns and McEachran came on at the start of the second half, and Grimsby were much better. Vernam tested the 'keeper early in the half, and McJannet headed wide from a Staunton free kick. McEachran had a similar chance to Rovers when the ball came out to him outside the box from a corner, but he couldn't keep his volley down.

Town's best chance fell to Kabia from a Staunton free kick, but the Town striker somehow managed to head well wide from a completely free header.

Grimsby piled on the pressure in the closing stages, but Rovers held on, and the Mariners were not helped by some dubious refereeing decisions.

The team that started the second half probably would have fared better in the first, and Town deserved at least a point. Artell will have much to ponder in his next team selection.

Town face Bradford in the much-maligned EFL Trophy in midweek, but they face their hardest challenge yet when they travel to MK Dons on Saturday to face the bookies' favourites to win League Two.

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