Cod Almighty | Match Report

by Paul Holmes

9 August 2005

Bristol Rovers 1 Grimsby Town 2

So there I was. In what I can only describe as a marquee, with my TBZAS T-shirt (complete with Hawaiian shirt on top), shorts and those flowery things that people wear in Hawaii... well, the telly version of Hawaii anyway.

The members of the most exclusive club in the world enquired about putting their newly made banner over the empty turnstile. A very helpful steward informed us that there was a blank space on the advertising hoardings behind the goal. Run to it? Oh, you bet we did. The banner fitted perfectly, like a tailored suit fits its owner, like Terry fitted into our midfield.

First half
Umm, so, the game started and Town looked good. I don't think anyone can deny that the 3-4-1-2 system suits away games more than home fixtures, and it was evident on this showing. Early on Reddy ripped the Brizzy defence to shreds. Sadly no end product was on show. Reddy was fine skipping past Christian Edwards but when Scott Shearer came bearing out of his goal, the ex-Coventry man won every time.

The only time Shearer didn't take the ball from Reddy, it spiralled into the path of Andy Parkinson. The hardest-working player to ever get booed composed himself while three Rovers defenders packed the goal-line. Parky's attempt at curling the ball into the corner was pretty poor, really, but the skill needed by the steward to replace the dislodged drainpipe from the marquee was reminiscent of a mid-90s Matt le Tissier.

The wingbacks of Macca and Newey were in total control. Macca, especially, just dominated his wing. The highly rated Chris Carruthers was made to look average at best by Town's lovable veteran. Croft and Bolland looked a lot more composed in the middle and casually dictated play.

The pressure couldn't last, though, and Brizzy actually knocked it around fairly well for an Ian Atkins side. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go up front was a constant threat with his pace, while Richard Walker was winning the physical battle with Tony Crane. Simon Ramsden again looked a little out of sorts as he was trying to organise things but Rob Jones once again shone. Hands up who derided the guy last year? Yeah, I was one of them and I'm delighted to say he's proved me wrong.

But Jones alone couldn't stop the home side getting back into it. A series of free headers were won in Town's area and it was only poor finishing and quick reactions from Steve Mildenhall that kept Town level before the break.

Second half
After half time Town were again slow to the first and second balls. Brizzy were on top and, while their opener was sloppy, it wasn't a shock. A simple ball from midfield left Town gasping as Walker trotted through. Mildenhall spread himself well and saved with his leg. The ball spun away but deceived Jones, allowing Junior Agadoo to head into an empty net. Look on the replay, kids - you can see the banner quite clearly.

With the goal, Town started to panic. Gone was the tidy and controlled passing; instead it was panicked hoofs up front, which came straight back. Mildenhall begged and pleaded with his back three to calm down. Eventually they did. Cohen was brought on for Parkinson, who had worked his socks off all night and was, for the first time ever, tired.

The introduction of Cohen gave Town a little more edge as the fresh legs behind the front two were most effective. Even in defence Cohen's energy and pace were welcome as he helped out both wing-backs. If Cohen is used correctly, Slade could have a supersub on his hands.

Fifteen minutes before the end of the game Town struck at long last. Cohen won the flick down from Newey's centre; Gritton reacted quickest and volleyed home with a sweet left-footed effort. The goal brought out the best in Gritts as he just exploded into life. While Reddy had ripped the Brizzy defence apart with his quick feet and pure pace, Gritton just barged through them. As much as they tried, they couldn't stop him.

Minutes after the goal Reddy was replaced by loan striker Calvin Andrews. The 18-year-old looked most decent, with a good touch, pace and strength. He offered a valuable outlet as Brizzy pushed to regain their lead.

The problem for Atkins' men was that Town weren't going to budge. Jones and Mildenhall were magnificent, winning everything in the air, while Gritton and Cohen were making their defence stain their nice white shorts.

With two minutes to go Newey flung in another inch-perfect corner. Gritton nodded it back for Jones, who headed superbly past Shearer to give Town the win. The marquee end went mad - with Mildenhall the cheerleader.

As the referee played what felt like a million minutes of injury time, Town wasted time in an arrogant style. Croft and Newey played keep-ball in the corner with nice little flicks and dinks, to the anger of the Brizzy players. The Brizzy fans were too angry with Atkins to care.

Ahhhhhhh it's good to the be a Town fan.

Official TBZAS man of the match
A close-run thing between, Gritton and Jones. But it's the shiny-headed beanpole who wins it. Won everything in defence and popped up with the vital last-gasp goal. What more can you ask for?