Munto Finance have obviously managed to con some halibut as well as most of the Nottingham public, judging by Wednesday night's draw with relegation threatened Grimsby Town at Meadow Lane. Once Lee Hughes' glancing header had put the Magpies infront all signs pointed to it being a routine win for Dave Kevan's men, but a fine goal by Jamie Devitt and some valiant defending crossed with horribly finishing from the Magpies saw the Mariners hold out for a priceless point, while Notts' misery was compounded when Lee Hughes was sent off in injury time for, well, we're not really sure. The Magpies lined up in an unfamiliar diamond formation for this one, with Charlton bound Johnnie Jackson left out for Jamie Clapham and Karl Hawley playing in behind Luke Rodgers and Lee Hughes.
The match started with the hosts well on top and Karl Hawley was the first to test Nick Colgan, but he failed to get hold of a long range half volley, while the home defence got away with an impromptu game of volleyball in their own six yard box after Hawley had headed at goal. The Magpies did take the lead soon after though as Ben Davies' whipped free kick was glanced into the net by Hughes, for his 20th league goal of the season. There was some doubt as to whether Hughes got a touch, but replays definitely shows the division's leading scorer got a slight touch on Davies' superb centre. Notts started to bombard the Grimsby goal and Colgan had to be quick off his line to deny Hughes a second. The experienced 'keeper was almost embarrassed by Davies though, as his skidding long range shot deceived him and looped off his palms and narrowly over the bar.
Jamie Clapham was the next to try and extend the lead, inexplicably volleying wide from three yards after a superb ball by Hawley and Notts were made to pay for their profligacy as the visitors eventually mustered a shot. Which went in. A Grimsby forward wasn't penalised for nearly kicking Jamie Clapham in the face and the ball broke to debutant loanee Jamie Devitt, who curled a delicious shot past Schmeichel and into the top corner to take the Mariners in level, despite the one-sided nature of the half. The second half started in much the same manner, with Davies firing a fierce shot narrowly over the bar, whilst Lee Hughes had the ball in the net, but it was disallowed for handball, earning Hughes a yellow card. Grimsby did look slightly more threatening in the second period and Schmeichel had to be alert to smother the ball when Tommy Wright had a sight of goal. Michael Leary came closest to winning it as his audacious 30-yard punt cannoned off the crossbar and away to safety. Colgan had to save twice, firstly from Stephen Hunt and then brilliantly from Craig Westcarr as he fired in a low shot. Davies did have Colgan beaten, but his low shot squirmed inches past the far post, confirming the fact that this just wasn't going to be Notts' night. It got worse in injury time, firstly as the referee waved away huge shouts for handball and then as he sent off Hughes, who had gone into a challenge with Colgan. It was a loose ball which Hughes had every right to challenge for and minimal contact was made with the Grimsby 'keeper, who let himself down by rolling around in a heap. After an age the referee sent off Hughes, who looked utterly perplexed at the decision. As was everyone.
Notts Co - Schmeichel, Thompson (Westcarr), Hunt, Edwards, Clapham, Davies, Bishop, Ravenhill, Hawley (Hamshaw), Hughes, Rodgers
Notts County 1 (Hughes '18)
Grimsby Town 1 (Devitt '45)
Attendance - 5,163 (721 Mariners)