By Slevin Morgan
February 20 2010

In what could easily turn out to be the match of the season, City and Grimsby played out a thrilling 2-2 draw and was marred in controversy. The referee took centre stage on several occasions, disallowing goals, giving penalties and both sides will probably feel agrieved that the referee denied them a winning goal.

The referee had what could best be described as "a mare" for both clubs. He controversially allowed a Grimsby goal, ignoring a foul on Burch before then disallowing a Herd goal after Colgan bumped into him. There were many other examples of poor refereeing throughout the match, another fine example being that he allowed Grimsby to play on when Herd was injured, but blew up as soon as a Grimsby player went down injured.

It was all or nothing at the kick off for Grimsby, they needed a victory to avoid breaking their own club record for longest period without a victory, a record they broke for a first time just a few years ago.

The beginning to the game was a bit cagey with Dean Sinclair volleying well wide from just outside the box. City won a free kick that was played into the box by Saunders, Broughton headed it down and Herd volley over Colgan to give City their first lead in the League at Grimsby since 2005.

It could have easily been two within a minute as Atkinson barely cleared a cross from Anderson. City were dominating the opening periods but were almost drawn level when Coulson shot well wide from range. Grimsby started coming into the game more with several corners gained, although none came to anything.

Broughton should have made it 2-0 when he was played through one-on-one with Colgan, but the keeper came out on top and Broughton would regret that wasted chance seconds later. Kerr fouled Sincilakr and Devitt swung the ball in, after a scramble, Burch appeared to be catching it to be fouled, he was then held down. The referee blew his whistle to signal a free kick to City but strangely watched as the ball was poached into the net by Peacock and allowed the goal. I'm sorry, but if you blow for a free kick then you can't then let the opposition player score and then give the goal. It was a controversial end to the first half.

The second half started much like the first had, with a goal at the Pontoon end of the ground. Anderson gave away possession on the left and Coulson skipped beyond him and Gilmour, playing the ball into the box and two defenders couldn't handle Peacock, the burly striker blasting it into the net.

Chris Herd was floored after a dangerous challenge but the referee ignored it and allowed play on. Widdowson shot well over minutes later but the referee sparked disbelief amongst the home support as he gave City a very soft penalty as Gilmour ran into the box and the Grimsby defence were alledged to pull his shirt. Gilmour took the penalty himself, Colgan parried it straight back to him and the Scot half-volleyed it straight into the net to make it 2-2.

Then came arguably the most controversial moment of the game. City's high tempo after the goal saw Broughton play a ball into the box and Herd headed into the net. The ball went behind the line but then Herd and Colgan colided, the referee then disallowing the goal, that despite the foul on Burch in the first half being considerably more blatent.

Watts then had to receive heavy treatment after a challenge by Peacock and the defender had to be stretchered off with oxygen being fed to him. He was replaced by Swaibu. Kerr was booked for a foul on Sinclair before LJL replaced Gilmour. Broughton was soon booked.

Grimsby created one or two half chances but the best chance of the remainder of the game came with minutes to go. A corner was played in and was met by Pearce. The Imps' assistant manager's header hit the bar, post and a defender's head before being ruled as not being over the line.

The game ended in controversy as in the ninth minute of injury time, Herd had his arms raised in the box and the ball appeared to be deflected off of him. From the away end it appeared to be handball, but the referee deemed it was his chest, something the Grimsby players were far from happy, one of whom even pushed the referee......an action that went unpunished. The game ended soon after.

Imps and Mariners play out a thrilling contest

Discussion started by theimps.tk (IP Logged), 20/02/2010 20:28

theimps.tk
20/02/2010 20:28

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net