Grimsby Town 1 Harrogate Town 2: Advertiser player ratings
Here's an assessment of how Simon Weaver's men performed on their way to a 2-1 success at Blundell Park.
James Belshaw 7 - Didn’t have a particularly busy evening, though he came out and claimed crosses, communicated and kicked well. It’s little things like these that can make all the difference when a team is protecting a one-goal lead.
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Hide AdRyan Fallowfield 7 - Lost his footing at one point, a slip which almost resulted in Grimsby getting in down their left. Was also caused a few problems by the power and pace of Virgil Gomis in the second period, but had a decent game overall.
Will Smith 8 - One or two indecisive moments in the second period, however this was another impressive showing from the young centre-half. Brought the ball out of defence with confidence on a number of occasions.
Connor Hall 8 - Came through a fairly challenging night’s work looking relatively unruffled. Composed throughout, he read the play intelligently and made some important clearances while also competing effectively in the air - even when big James Hanson came on.
Warren Burrell 8 - The one poor header which led to Grimsby's goal aside, he was solid at left-back. Put out a number of fires, using his experience and athleticism to ensure that the Mariners had no real joy down his side of the pitch.
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Hide AdGeorge Thomson 8 - Lively throughout the first period, he provided Jack Muldoon with two great opportunities, one of which saw Harrogate take the lead. Should however have scored himself when presented with a near-enough open goal. Seemed to fade a bit in the closing stages.
Josh Falkingham 8 - Got under the skin of the Mariners’ players and staff. Used his body to draw fouls, while hassling and harrying throughout. So neat in possession both while in space and in tight areas, one eye-of-the-needle first-half through-ball showcased his passing ability.
Lloyd Kerry 7 - Got through plenty of hard work off the ball and kept things nice and solid in the centre of the park. Such a determined competitor.
Calvin Miller 8 -Still seems to drift in and out of the game, but when Town got the ball to him out on the left he demonstrated how much quality he has in terms of his quick feet and ability to cross the ball. It was his excellent first touch and pace on the counter-attack which led to Town’s second goal.
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Hide AdAaron Martin 7 - Justified Weaver’s decision to recall him up top, asking questions of the home rearguard with his physicality and movement. Provided a useful foil for Muldoon, though will feel that he should have done better with two decent sights of goal.
Jack Muldoon 8 - Looks like player who is at the very peak of his powers. Oozes confidence and carries such a threat. While he might feel that he could have had four on the night, his being in the right place to execute two clinical finishes ultimately decided the outcome of the contest.