After something of a resurgence in the Magpies side under Ian Richardson, it was no surprise that the travelling Notts contingent were in high spirits and thus their vocal representation belied a fairly sparse scattering of fans amongst the already poky away end.
With Saul Deeney having picked up tonsillitis, Wayne Henderson – for the first time since his return to the ‘Lane – returned to the starting line up, whilst Glynn Hurst – after serving a two-match ban for foul and abusive language – started only on the bench, with Matty Williams retaining his place.
Right from the off, it was plain to see that this match was going to – adopting a ploy seldom seen in recent times as County fans – actually entertain all those who made the one-and-a-half hour trip to the east coast.
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All this just minutes after former Magpie, Colin Cramb had been denied by a somewhat fortunate Henderson stop.
However, when inspiration is needed it seems only fitting as of late to look to Stef Oakes. And, staying true to form, boy did he deliver!
Picking up the ball on 35 yards, he shuffled well before producing a simply stunning 35-yard strike to cancel out the Magpies’ earlier defensive shortcomings.
A phenomenal goal, from a phenomenal player – one of the best goals I might possibly have ever seen as a Notts County fan. Stunning.
At 1-1, the pendulum seemed to be swinging back in our favour, with goalscorer Oakes looking an absolute monster of a player in the heart of the midfield – his ball winning, distributing and appreciation skills outshining any player on the pitch alongside him.
As Notts went forward, a flurry of corners managed to raise the mood further – amounting to a Notts effort being cleared off the line. The pendulum was well and truly swung...or so we thought.
Half time: Grimsby Town 1-1 NOTTS COUNTY
Almost immediately after the restart, Andy Parkinson – who contrary to the Notts Official Site’s summary – was showing exactly why we didn’t shed a tear for his Meadow Lane departure, managed somehow however to scrape the Mariners back into the lead. His shot deflecting up off the injured David Pipe who lay stricken from a tackle that led to the goal. The half time break serving as a finisher only to the atmosphere at Blundell Park.
In fairness to the Notts defence in that department, Baudet and Wilson especially had done a sound job in silencing the former Notts man – especially considering his nifty turn of pace.
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David Pipe – arguably one of our better players on the night – was forced to withdraw through injury, allowing Tony Scully to replace him. To little result, let it be said.
However, it was to be one our more unlikely characters who’d pull Notts level. Gavin Gordon – who was having an absolutely atrocious match by anyone’s standards – capitalising from mix-up in the Town area, lashing home from a goal mouth scramble following a Notts corner.
This coming minutes after Glynn Hurst had replaced Matty Williams up-front to the chorus of ‘We’re gonna score in a minute!’ Ironic that.
Hurst himself found himself striking the net, only for it to be ruled out for offside – just one of many dubious calls from the clown of a linesman we’d been dealt.
With ten minutes remaining and Notts defensive woes were punished for the third time of the evening. Mike Whitlow gave away a free kick on the by-line. The high, looping ball inevitably reached a Grimsby head, and just as predictably sailed in.
Three defensive mistakes and Notts’ demise was completed. They failed to equalise after that in what was a hugely entertaining, albeit frustrating, night out.
Full Time: Grimsby Town 3-2 NOTTS COUNTY
More reaction to come from NCM.