Another Defeat

Last updated : 22 October 2003 By Rob Davies
Notts only have themselves to blame for this defeat as they gifted Grimsby both their goals, with the usually reliable Mildenhall and Fenton the culprits.

Notts started with the same side as the one that was unlucky not to defeat Stockport at the weekend, but the fit again Paul Riley replaced Shane McFaul on the substitutes bench.

While ex Notts man Marcel Cas could only make the Grimsby subs bench, much to the Notts' fans relief.

The game started slowly, with Grimsby having more possesion but Notts' Nicky Fenton was looking particularly impressive in the back 3.

Grimsby had the first chance of the game, but Mildenhall managed to palm Iffy Onoura's shot around the post, after good work down the right by Stuart Campbell.

Grimsby were slowly gaining momentum and should of taken the lead with just 12 minutes on the clock.

A cross from the left was flicked on by Onoura and Notts' wing back Ian Baraclough did just enough to put off Stuart Campbell who fired wide.

Grimsby's two goal hero- Michael Boulding
It seemed it was a matter of time before Grimsby were going to take the lead, as this time Darren Barnard missed a good chance, firing over from a free-kick after being totally unmarked.

There was no doubt, with 20 minutes gone that Notts were playing shite and that's being kind, this time it was Boulding that forced the busy Mildenhall into a save.

On 23 minutes Grimsby finally got their deserved lead, but it needed a big helping hand from Notts' 'keeper Steven Mildenhall.

A routine cross was spilled by Mildy and Grimsby's top scorer Michael Boulding was right on hand to slot the ball into the empty net.

An unbelievable event then occured, 26 minutes into the game, and...... Notts had a shot!!!

It was a 25 yard effort by Notts' captain, Steve Jenkins, and needless to say, Grimsby 'keeper Aidan Davison didn't have too many problems saving it.

Notts' goalkeeper Mildenhall then went some way to making up for his earlier error, saving well from Boulding's powerful strike.

Darren Caskey then provided a bit of light relief for the crowd, as he cheekily dispossesed Grimsby 'keeper Davison and put the ball into the empty net.

Somewhat surprisingly the referee disallowed the goal.

With 37 minutes on the clock, Caskey was within inches of scoring his second goal this week, and netting Notts an equaliser.

Caskey's long ranger beat Davison but struck his right hand post.

Notts were finally recovering from their nightmare start and Caskey was agin close to finding the scoresheet.

This time Caskey was a full 30 yards out and he struck his shot brilliantly, but Davison just mentioned to get across and just turn the ball around the post for a corner.

It was a strange end to the half for Notts, who had played a nightmare first half hour, but inspired by Caskey, had managed to drag themselves back in the game for the end of the half.

HALF TIME: Grimsby Town 1-0 Notts County

Steven Mildenhall had a mixed evening in Notts' goal
Notts' manager Billy Dearden made a change during the interval, taking off centre back Danny Livesey for winger Simon Baldry, it was unclear as to whether this change was enforced or Dearden wanted to change formation.

Notts therefore switched to a 4-4-2, moving Jenkins and Baraclough back to full-backs, pushing Michael Brough to left midfield and slotting Baldry in on the right of midfield.

Notts had a good chance just 2 minutes into the half, Clive Platt flicked the ball on and Paul Heffernan fired a snapshot just wide.

Grimsby then had a short spell of pressure, gaining numerous corners but not being able to convert any of them.

Grimsby striker Michael Boulding then came close to putting Grimsby two ahead, but his shot trickled wide of Mildenhall's post.

Notts then had two half chances within a minute.

First, Darren Caskey played thorugh Paul Heffernan, but the Grimsby defenders managed to get back on terms with him, and then Clive Platt scuffed a header from substitute Simon Baldry's cross.

At this point I was baffled.

Notts had two left wingers on the bench (Riley & Nicholson) but were playing with a defensive midfielder there, it just didn't make sense to me.

Nick Fenton- Gifted Grimsby there second
All Notts hardwork was undone in one swoop though, and with 62 minutes gone, the game was effectively over.

Nicky Fenton, who had been one of Notts' better players, was taking a free-kick given for offside and though his team-mates clearly weren't ready for the free-kick to be taken, Fenton took it and hit the ball straight to Grimsby winger, Campbell.

Campbell then switched the ball straight to Boulding, who then tucked away his second goal of the night.

There was then a bizzare moment as Grimsby manager Paul Groves was orchestrating the Grimsby crowd, and making sure they made moe noise then at any point before then.

This was in stark contrast to a motionless Dearden, and I couldn't help wishing that Dearden would sometimes show such enthusiasm for the team.

On 73 minutes Notts came very close to getting themselves back in the game, but unfortunately they couldn't quite get the crucial goal.

A corner was half cleared and Nicky Fenton swung in a dangerous ball that just needed a touch to get it in the net, but unfortunately no-one could quite connect.

Clive Platt, who isn't the most popular man here in Grimsby, then fired in a decent shot, but Davison was again equal to the task.

Billy Dearden then finally made the change that again, should have been made earlier, bringing on Riley for Brough, with just 12 minutes remaining.

With just over 10 minutes remaining Tony Barras became the first player to get his name into the excellent referee's notebook, after obstructing Grimsby full-back Darren Barnard.

Darren Caskey then struck another of his speciality long rangers in a vain attempt to get Notts back in the game, but Aidan Davison again managed to tip Caskey's shot over.

Grimsby then brought on ex Notts man Marcel Cas for the last ten minutes, as he replaced left winger Anderson.

Notts had certainly picked up since Grimsby's second goal, much as they did after the first, but the impressive Davison made another good stop, this time from young Irish striker, Paul Heffernan.

The last 5 minutes were basically all about Michael Boulding trying to get his hat-trick but Steven Mildenhall continually denied him.

FULL TIME: Grimsby Town 2-0 Notts County

Another disapointing for Notts, but on this occasion they only have themselves to blame.

They failed to get started until half an hour in, and kindly gifted Grimsby their two goals.

Individual errors cost Notts, and had they not been made we'd be looking at a favourable 0-0 draw.
As it is, Notts are now bottom of the pile and things sure are looking bleak for The Magpies.

Still, we're playing Chelsea in a week!