Grimsby Town 2 - 0 Tranmere - Match Snippets

Deadly Submarine takes a brief look back at Tuesday night's defeat to Grimsby in the first round of the Carling Cup as a goal in either half from the Mariners condemned Rovers to an opening round defeat for the fourth successive year and once again to League Two opponents.

Grimsby T 2 - 0 Tranmere

Weather Report 

The journey to the game and the match itself were both dominated by thunder and lightning although in between the sun shone (in our eyes before the game) and it certainly wasn't a cold day.

Crowd 

1,858 were inside Blundell Park of which 140 hardy souls were fans of Tranmere Rovers on a quiet night fans wise.

Referee Watch - Anthony Bates

The annoying thing about the referee in this game was his indecisiveness in terms of his assistants.  On three occasions he gave a decision (seemingly before looking at his assistant) and then changed his mind once he had looked across.  Other than that there were no cards needed and good game for the referee - 8/10 

Best Moment 

Rovers  piled forward and were unlucky not to score on more than one occasion but the highlight for some will be the debut of Terry Gornell when he came on to replace Ian Moore in the second half. Meeting the Gloryhunter was also a highlight of the evening, as was getting into the Ground as an 18 year old!!  One other good moment was the substitution of Godwin Antwi in the second half.

Worst Moment

The first goal had an element of fortune about it but the second (an own goal by Ben Chorley) was just unbelievable!  After dominating the first ten minutes of the second half, Rovers were hit with an undeserved sucker punch from which they never recovered.

Tranmere Man of the Match 

John Achterberg - The strikeforce missed Savage up there and had Greenacre been on longer he would surely have been a contender whilst the defence were again suspect at times. George O'Callaghan had a much improved game too but Achterberg's saves, including the one from which they scored a rebound were top class! 

Connections 

Robbie Stockdale lined up for Grimsby and got undeserved abuse from some of our fans when defending in front of us in the second half.  The only other current connection between the two teams was goalkeeper Danny Coyne but he failed to travel due to injury.

Rovers Fans 

The 140 Rovers Fans rarely got going and spent more time moaning than getting behind the team.  That said, the effort of the 140 souls to get there in the first place on a Tuesday night has to be admired.

Summary 

Out of the Carling Cup at the first round stage for the fourth year in a row and once again away from home to a League Two side but there were positives.  This 4-3-3 formation looks like it may work at home but away from home it needs a review following two defeats in four days.

Entertainment Value 

A better game than Saturday and Rovers were unlucky to lose 2-0.  After hitting the woodwork three times and having several other chances to score the entertainment value was there 7/10