Grimsby Town’s youth team were beaten 3-1 away at Walsall last Saturday, despite a positive attacking display and a late goal from Fortune Jack.
The game got off to a fast start, with both sides registering efforts on goal inside the opening 90 seconds. The hosts took the lead during a frantic opening 10 minutes when the ball rebounded into the net from close range following a save from Rhys Hall.
The Mariners responded well to going behind and began to take control of possession, with Fortune Jack twice coming close to finding an equaliser.
Town were awarded a penalty on 25 minutes after Harvey Booth was brought down inside the box. Ted Sharp stepped up and fired low towards the goalkeeper’s right, but a diving save denied the midfielder and kept Walsall in front.
The visitors continued to threaten, with a set-piece opportunity on 33 minutes eventually cleared off the line. Curtis Manyika was booked for a cynical foul five minutes before the break, as Walsall looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
The Young Saddlers struck the crossbar following a goalmouth scramble before Jack had another opportunity at the other end, blazing wide from inside the box.
Half-time: Walsall 1-0 Grimsby Town
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Town dominating possession while remaining wary of Walsall’s threat on the counter-attack.
Noah Hutton tried his luck twice from outside the box, but neither effort found the target. Max Horsman was replaced by Henry Chisholm on 67 minutes as the Mariners looked to find a way back into the contest.
However, Walsall doubled their advantage a minute later. A ball over the top released an attacker, who crossed for a teammate to finish well at the back post.
With Town chasing the game, the contest became increasingly stretched. Sharp cut inside from the left and fired over, while another set-piece opportunity saw Josh Edwards direct his header off target.
Walsall added a third on 78 minutes when a ball played through the Grimsby defence allowed the hosts to finish and extend their lead.
The Mariners continued to push forward and were rewarded with 10 minutes remaining. Jack drove in from the right before firing home to reduce the deficit and give Town a late consolation.
Despite a determined attacking display and several promising opportunities, the Mariners were unable to find a way back into the game.
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