Cod Almighty | Match Stats

Saturday 3 August 2019

Division 4

Morecambe 0

Grimsby Town 2 Whitehouse (68), Wright (90+7)

Attendance: 2872 (1073 away fans)

There is no absolute stand out player but there are a number of candidates for the award. Ahkeem Rose was excellent with his strength and pace causing problems for the home defence. He will learn from those around him about his positional play. James Hanson led the line well. Max Wright’s face on scoring deserves an award of its own. However, given his challenges over the last year and his excellent midfield display topped by his deadlocking-breaking goal, the award goes to the debutant Mariner, Elliott Whitehouse.

"When Whitehouse got the injury we were all devastated for him, so to see him back in the team and playing well – I’m really pleased about it.”

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Jim Bentley did not have any complaints with the first goal and admitted the offside trap failed miserably in rather understated terms: "I think maybe the players timing wasn't great, it was as solid as we’d have wanted. The line wasn’t great"

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Town got better as the afternoon went on, and there was a pure joy and delight in the shared celebrations of both goals, illustrating true passion and energy. At full time we, the players, the staff, were one collective black and white happy mass in a corner of north Lancashire. We didn't want to leave. Can't it always be like this?

The new forwards will learn more about each other's game and can only improve. Lots to be optimistic about.

Shrimps fans will be unhappy with the way in which both goals were conceded and that McKeown wasn't tested. Some of the Morecambe players looked a little bit off the pace and out of shape. It looks like another hard season ahead for the Lancashire club.

Darren Handley (Greater Manchester)

Handley dished out five yellows, which is more than his average 3.5 cards for the games he has officiated in division four. This was not a dirty game and he fell for Kenyon's attempt to get Green booked for the challenge on Roche. Fortunately his eagle-eyed assistant saw through it, and he was also brave in not giving offside for Whitehouse’s goal. So 7 for Handley but a 10 for his assistant.