Back in the Hunt

By: Andrew Doherty
Date: 31/10/2026

AFTER last week's excellent performance and victory at Gillingham, Town are back on track. It's a mystery where our form goes but as our Head Coach David Artell has told us in the past, these are human beings and progress isn't linear. After Kieran Green's rallying call before the Rochdale game, it's been encouraging to see Rodgers and Walker in pa

Turi and Maldini have been rocks throughout, while Foulkes has been brought in and proved to be an asset. Perhaps most encouraging have been the contributions of Finch and Morgan who both scored last week. In Morgan's case it wasn't without some controversy thanks to his celebration but from my perspective whilst you could argue that he alienates supporters who haven't criticised him by responding, it's his feisty attitude which is one of his best qualities. This has been evident from the beginning, when he's battled, fought and always looked to be creative. The Accrington game, where he was kicked off the pitch by a thuggish home side, showed that he needed to be smarter in picking his battles, but then he's 20 and learning his trade. I find it more than precious that people who have complained about him should then take offence when he responds. And let's not forget that he scored. But taking offence is the modern way.

Our opponents York stormed to the National League title last season and with sound financial backing were always expected to do well. There was a blip when the manager left before the season started but they are doing well, currently sitting comfortably in 5th place. This said, they come off an ill- tempered and argumentative defeat at Barnet in midweek. As always however, it was going to depend on which version of Town was going to turn up. The line-up on this bright and chilly day in front of 8,111 spectators including 1,154 York fans, was: Pym - Rodgers, Kacurri, McJannet, Foulkes - Turi - Morgan, Green, Walker, Vernam - Cook.

Gold-shirted York, facing the Pontoon end, started the game. A minute in, Cook earned a corner after a mistake by Kitching. After a scrap for possession, Vernam had a chance but sliced his shot high and wide. On 7 minutes Vernam seized on a mistake by Pearce before setting up an attack which ended with a foul against Town. York countered and Rodgers did well to cut out a pass from Stones in Town's box. Pym then made a save at the near post from Pearce after York battled to win the ball in midfield. Green and then Turi did well to win the ball in midfield, setting up an attack on the left. 13 minutes had gone. McJannet was on the left wing and sent over a perfect cross for Cook to rise and head powerfully into the left corner if the net. Town 1, York 0. Vernam had a good run a minute later, driving in a decent shot which York keeper McNally took cleanly. So far Vernam's crossing and general play had been good. Too often this season I had witnessed frustrating underachievement from Vernam. I'm not sure which had annoyed me more: the obligatory Vernam foot dance which leads to nothing or a David Artell interview. Anyway so far so good today from Vernam. On 17 minutes Read won a corner for York. The ball was headed out to former Mariner Alex Hunt who drilled a shot from outside the box through the fence and into the left corner. Town 1, York 1. Morgan went close with a flicked header after a good cross from Vernam on 23 minutes. Pym had to be alert on 27 minutes when Boyes caused Rodgers to slip. York were soon back on the attack with Boyes beating Foulkes before supplying Read. His cross was cleared but only to Jack Hunt who slipped inside and expertly guided a shot into the top left corner. Town 1, York 2. Both sides were contributing to a high-quality, free-flowing game. On 30 minutes Vernam picked the ball up on the left and crossed to the advancing Kacurri who headed the ball forward inside the box. Cook scrapped and passed back to Kacurri whose shot struck the inside of post. The loose ball landed on the left. The advancing Morgan seized the opportunity and slammed the ball home. Town 2, York 2. The delighted Morgan patted the club badge. McJannet looked to have set up an attack after battling with Stones but was penalised for a foul. Town regained possession. Vernam made another good cross. The ball fell to McJannet on the left. Green ran on and flicked the ball towards goal. It just went wide. As two minutes were added to the half, Vernam sent over a dangerous cross. 2 - 2 was the score at half time. It was an entertaining half which went very quickly, with both sides posing a threat when going forward. Town's main concerns were that they were being opened up by Boyes on the left, and both York goals came as a result of corners. But there was plenty to be encouraged about from Town's point of view.

Continuing his good first half work, Vernam robbed Jack Hunt and played a good cross field ball to Morgan. The pass from Morgan wasn't so good but thanks to Green, Town continued the attack which only ended when Cook shoved McNally into the net. A sublime through ball from Kitching on 52 minutes found Pearce but with just Pym to beat, Foulkes appeared and cut out the threat. Walker attempted an Alex Hunt style shot from outside the box on 56 minutes but the shot was not strong enough to test McNally. In comparison to the first half, the game had now quietened down. Walker did well to dispossess Alex Hunt and ran on but the pacier and more youthful Hunt tracked him down. The ball came back upfield and Maguire went close with Kacurri pushing him out wide. Good work by Green enabled two long throws from Morgan. The ball fell to Walker. This time Walker's strike was good. McNally fumbled. Vernam saw the opportunity but Fallowfield dived in and saved the day with a tackle, injuring himself in the process. With 66 minutes gone, Andrews and Finch came on for Cook and Vernam. Town won a free kick when Newby fouled Walker. A Town corner followed. McNally was forced to punch out Morgan's curling corner. McNally then got into a mess with a defender. Finch nipped in but York retrieved the situation. Good work from Finch led to me a cross to Andrews whose flicked header was deflected for a corner. One corner led to another. 74 minutes had gone. Morgan's short corner was returned. Morgan crossed towards goal. McJannet was lurking near the line and bundled the ball over the line with his head. Town 3, York 2. Town's confidence was evident. A challenge was won. Finch fired over. With 78 minutes gone, Turi seized possession in Town's half and worked forward. As he approached the York box, he drew the defender away and slipped the ball left to Andrews. With McNally to beat, Andrew slipped his shot low to McNally's left. It was an excellent finish with great composure from Turi to lead up to it. Town 4, York 2. York looked demoralised. Town were full of vitality. Encouragingly the substitutions had helped to increase the intensity from Town. Amaluzor and Cartwright replaced Walker and Morgan. Town continued to dominate. On 84 minutes Town had a throw. McJannet exchanged with Green, passing to Amaluzor who turned and slipped a pass to Turi on the edge of the box. Seeing space, Turi slammed a low shot past McNally into the left corner of the net. Town 5, York 2. Andrews had a shot which went wide as Town looked to score more. Doyle replaced the injured Green on 89 minutes. 6 minutes were added. McJannet cut out a long pass to Maguire who was homing in on goal. Town won a free kick. Foulkes crossed to Andrews who rose for the header. The header curled and struck the post. The game ended: Grimsby Town 5, York City 2. This was Town's day.

The first half threat resulting in goals from the Hunt duo was repelled. In the end Town pressed on and the Yorkies were well and truly bashed. This was an impressive performance from beginning to end. After a quiet spell at the start of the second half, Town made substitutions and stepped up, steamrollering York with excellent team play. Yes, we are back in the hunt for promotion.

Add To Facebook

This site is by the fans, for the fans, and we will consider articles on any subject relating to the Mariners whether it be related to current news, a nostalgic look back in the past, a story about a player, a game or games in the past, something about Blundell Park or football in general. Click here to submit your article!

Related Stories

• Grimsby Storm to Victory
• Stafford game televisied
• A Spot of Improvement
• More Stories

This Season and previous Seasons