Yes Wodin it was actually a pleasure to be there, must say Grimsby fans are a fun bunch. Their team aren't bad but produced a fair share of fouls & the ref took a long while to realise it.
Their goal was too easy - had to be for Wes bloody Thomas to score - but it sparked us into life.
Thought our midfield functioned very well & Young kept getting away & used the ball productively, we outran them throughout & Palmer got the goals he owed us but needs to stay on his feet.
Quiet game for Morris, but there when we needed him at the death.
Best of all was a really good spirited, positive, energetic team performance... more of the same please...?
Very enjoyable game apart from not taking more chances although have to say we didn't get much luck with the balls pinging around in the box on a number of occasions. Thought they were not in the game until their second half subs when changed the game and ridiculously we were hanging on a bit, but all added up to the most enjoyable afternoon for some time. Thought the ref let no.7 get away with a cynical foul first half then two more did it and he actually did book them but thought he wasn't that bad, but talking to some Grimsby fans after the game who thought he was a homer. Funny how home and away can never agree on the ref, they think he dived we think he was fouled!! Other than that they did think we battered them and should have been out of sight before the end when they came into game more. Bulman (one fantastic hooked pass out to the wing 2nd half was highlight although his constant running and support all over the field was superb) or Willock for an hour might have challenged for MOTM?
What a great game. Very well done to all the players and the management team.
This was very different from the last few games I have seen - we actually attacked, with effect and good variation. I thought Grimsby started very well and looked a decent team - excellent passing and movement and they looked fast and slick. Even with only six minutes on the clock, their goal was deserved and I thought here we go again. That was it though. A combination of them sitting back (or did we push them back?) and our pressing and running game very quickly turned the game and we took control.
Over the last few weeks it has been frustrating to watch the wing backs (Lewis in particular) refusing to take their man on, or go to the line, or get crosses in, preferring to check back or cut in. Yesterday, they were far more positive and went for the crosses. The first goal came from a fast break, Lewis getting down the line and crossing the ball in for a fairly simple goal.
Ollie turned and shot (fairly slowly to be honest but his close control is very good) just before half for the second.
2-1 at half time doesn't really account for how dominant the first half display was and we twice hit the bar in the space of 30 seconds.
The second half was very similar and through a mixture of luck, good defending and narrow margins, we failed to score more. We had to hold on for the last 10 minutes but that was as a result of us holding back rather than Grimsby outplaying us.
The back three were superb - big Joe missed nothing all game and among strong competition, was my man of the match. The midfield were a revelation - Panuche, Willock and Sesay all drove us forward, with pace and control and transformed the way we play - no hesitation, no huffing and puffing, no checking back but strong, forward driving play. All three were fantastic. A different way of playing and a better result.
Up front big Ollie battled away and got his reward - helped greatly by some quality balls.
People can claim it was down to Brewster if they wish and I am sure he played a part with his thoughts and recommendations but the management is a team and it is led by Gabby - if he has listened to others who help us to play with a higher tempo and a more attacking attitude, then all credit to him.
Make no mistake, this was a refreshing difference and an outstanding result.
The crucial factor on Saturday was pace, we did everything quickly & if it didn't come off, we chased the ball down & tried again.
Nice to actually deploy a system that suits the type of players we have (including Dannie in the Janitor role).
Complete contrast with too many games where we were ponderous & overplayed it until our attacks died of boredom... and a joy to watch too...!
Janitor role sounds a bit faint praise though to me, DB did all the hard graft but he did it all over the pitch and played the pass of the match second half. Works quite nicely with Willock as well, on a few occasions saw him giving the benefit of his experience!
It wasn't ever intended to be condescending Mick, but maybe "cinderella" would have made my meaning a bit clearer...(?) gets on with the less glamorous but essential duties.
I am a huge fan of Dannie & even hope to see him offered a coaching role here one day.