Grimsby travelled to Preston-early Saturday morning for the Youth Alliance Cup Northern Final.

Town faced a heavy wind throughout the first half and Preston also put considerable pressure on Town but the backline held strong. The visitors missed the best chances of the half, Charlie Clements put his close range effort over the bar on 15 minutes, he again went close soon after as he to rounded the keeper from Cameron Gardner’s through ball only to be stopped by a fine save from the Preston goalkeeper.

Town looked the favourites going into the second half having battled against the wind and creating the best chances but it was Preston who controlled the early exchanges however, the Town backline continued to stand strong and deny opportunities.

Clements nearly found the goal he was looking for, his smart free kick was equally smartly denied by the Preston keeper.

Grimsby continued to push to break the deadlock, Grayson Giles then rounded the keeper but the Preston defender beat the town man to the ball preventing Giles from tapping into an empty net. Town failed to capitalise on their chances as they continued to create and look dangerous.

Heartbreak came for Town in the 93rd minute the hosts delivered a cross to the back post for an unmarked man to tap in from close range to win the game at the death.

Despite the defeat in the final Town are back in action in a quick turnaround as the schedule continues to be busy with the end of the 2023/24 season in sight.

Next up  is league action versus Bradford City at Bradley FDC on Tuesday 26th March kick-off is at 12pm before the visit of Lincoln on Good Friday at Cheapside, kick off 11am.

UTM