Hard Work Ahead

By: Richard Lord
Date: 07/10/2002

PAUL Raven is keen to rectify the 3-0 home defeat to Reading by taking the points from Town's encounter with Ipswich tomorrow night at Blundell Park.

The former Baggie believes the Mariners can turn the corner, starting with a win against the Tractor Boys. "On the back of such a bad run at home there's no point in lying down and conceding defeat again.

"We've got to try and redress it and the game tomorrow gives us a chance to rectify it straight away rather than wait another week, said Raven, speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph.

"The only thing that will get us out of trouble is hard work and that's what we need week-in, week-out. We're not oblivious to the league table and we know the situation we're in. But this club has a funny way of regrouping under pressure and turning things around."

Reflecting on the dismal performance against Reading on Saturday, Raven continued: "The two goals in the first half were very poor defensively and the third goal just summed the day up for us. I thought it was going to be close as soon as it left his foot and, sure enough, it went right in the top corner.

"We lost the game in the first half, there's no doubt about that. The game was gone. We got in amongst them in the second half but by then it was too late and the game was over. We needed an early goal in the second half but that didn't arrive and our determination, in the end, was all for nothing.

"We sat off them too much in the first half and gave them too much respect. It was for them. When we got at them we looked far better - as we always do. That was one of the tactics to a certain extent, but sooner or later you have to go and get the ball and dictate play, especially at home."

And after eight months of Reserve team football, the central defender was pleased to be back in first team action. "It's nice to be back in the team and playing, but it's disappointing to lose. It's a totally different pace from Reserve team football that I've been playing all season."

Raven looks likely to start against Ipswich tomorrow night, as Groves and Chettle appear to be no closer to a return. Barnard and McDermott are early doubts for the game.

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