Interim boss Anthony Limbrick believes Grimsby should have beaten Cheltenham

Posted Wednesday, November 27, 2019 by PA

Anthony Limbrick reckons his Grimsby side did enough to take three points from their midweek clash with Cheltenham.

On the back of their weekend defeat against Northampton, the Mariners created several chances during the goalless draw against their high-flying opponents.

Indeed, after going close through Matt Green and Elliott Whitehouse – who were both superbly denied by Scott Flinders – Grimsby and their interim manager had to settle for a point in Cleethorpes.

Cheltenham, meanwhile, went close through Reuben Reid and Ryan Broom, who both tried their luck from distance with dipping efforts.

Limbrick said: “Going into the break at 0-0 was unfortunate for us. We got right on the front foot early in the game and we created numerous chances.

“We worked the keeper and we passed the ball quite well in the first half, which was pleasing, against a good Cheltenham side.

“I have got a lot of respect for them and their manager. They play good football and they have been on a good run of form up until this game.

“We came into half-time as the better side. It was a little bit harsh on us.

“That’s the first time we have played midweek, Saturday and then midweek for a while. I think it showed a little bit.

“Listen, the boys gave it everything and showed 100 per cent commitment. You have got to be pleased with the performance, but I think we should be sitting here with three points to be honest.”

Chances were few and far between during the early stages, but the game burst into life when Green and Whitehouse took aim in quick succession.

However, away goalkeeper Flinders answered both questions, before then making a routine save from Ahkeem Rose upon the restart.

Cheltenham grew into the game the longer it went on, with Reid firing just wide of the post on his first start of the season.

Broom then cut inside and had an effort of his own, but neither side was ultimately able to break the deadlock.

Cheltenham boss Michael Duff said: “We were lucky to come in at 0-0 to be honest. We didn’t do anything particularly well, other than that we did make a couple of good blocks.

“Our first headers from set-pieces or free-kicks, we didn’t seem to land anything.

“We didn’t press and the most disappointing thing is that we didn’t move the ball. In the second half, after five minutes, I thought we were excellent.

“We moved it really well and it was just that moment of quality. We couldn’t find that final pass. We got in and around the box a lot.”