Mariners Under-14s let a two-goal lead slip away

GRIMSBY Town's Under-14s were edged out 3-2 by Mansfield.

Town really should have won in a game they dominated for long spells.

They began well, with Lee Wattam and Callum Walker looking lively up front.

Walker put Town 1-0 up, with a well-taken goal.

In the second period, Mansfield came into the game a little, but found Town's defence in solid form.

Wattam then played in Paul Walker, who finished well to put Town 2-0 up.

In the attempt to save, the Mansfield keeper was injured and was taken to hospital.

Town were well on top, with Josh Garner and Tom Charlesworth in commanding form.

Another injury, this time to Town's keeper Robson Burnett, who also was taken to hospital, caused a delay in play.

The delay seemed to affect the Town lads and, in the final 10 minutes, the game turned on its head.

A defensive error gave a Mansfield forward an easy finish to make it 2-1.

The Stags were back in the game, and more slack Grimsby defending allowed Mansfield to make it 2-2. Then, with the last kick of the game, after some half-hearted attempted tackles, a Mansfield forward made it 3-2.

The Grimsby players and coaches left the pitch shaking their heads in disbelief.

The team wishes a speedy recovery to both Burnett and the Mansfield keeper.

Grimsby Town's Under-12s beat their Mansfield counterparts 2-0.

It was an excellent, all-round team performance.

The Grimsby boys dominated throughout and the margin of victory would have been greater, but for the Mansfield goalkeeper who worked hard to keep his side in the game.

The young Mariners played some quality football.

Their one-touch passing was pleasing to watch.

Neither of the Grimsby goalkeepers had a lot to do, but retained their concentration well and were confident in all they did.

Josh Tomlinson and Adam Thomas played particularly well in what was probably the best game of the season so far for the Under-12 boys.