Playing Dirty

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 07/03/2026

GRIMSBY were held to a draw by leaders Bromley in a physical game at Blundell Park. Town fell behind to a Kabamba opener, only to equalise almost immediately thanks to a Charles Vernam penalty.

Grimsby had most of the possession and chances after the break, but Bromley came closest to scoring the game's third goal and needed keeper Richard Smith to pull off two brilliant saves to deny the leaders.

In the end, both sides had to settle for a point in a game that in truth could have gone either way.

Staunton, McEachran and Cook were the changes in place of Sweeney, Khouri and Soonsup-Bell. Michael Cheek was a notable absentee for the opposition.

Town got off to a strong start with two early chances, with McEachran drawing an early save from Grant Smith. Shortly afterwards, Green's cross found Vernam in space. A powerful shot would have been a goal with Smith beaten, but he didn't hit the ball cleanly, and it was cleared off the line.

Disaster struck when Grimsby conceded. Kacurri miscontrolled the ball, and it fell into the path of Kabamba, who bundled it in from close range. Almost immediately, though, Town were level after Arthurs handled the ball. Vernam scored from the spot, hitting the ball straight down the middle. It was to prove his last act, as he was immediately subbed, presumably for injury.

The remainder of the first half was quite cagey, but the game came to life after the break. Green intercepted a backpass early on, which was cleared for a corner. Town then came very close after a double save from Kabia by Smith, and a third attempt was also blocked. McEachran also hit a volley straight at the keeper.

Bromley were trying to con the referee into taking action against Grimsby as the game became quite niggly. The visitors, although having less of the ball, were always a potential danger. Smith made a brilliant save from a Charles free kick destined for the top corner. He also made another top-drawer save to get down and claw Sowumni's header off the line.

Grimsby can be pleased with their performance against physical opposition who made it difficult to play against them. Other results meant Town now occupy the final play-off spot, which most supporters would probably settle for right now. The Mariners face Oldham away next, who are only a couple of wins away from the play-off picture. Both teams will be looking for three points.

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