Grimsby saw off Shrewsbury Town on Saturday in the Youth Alliance Cup Quarter-Final thanks to goals from Cameron Gardner and Grayson Giles.

The long trip to Shropshire didn’t effect Town’s start to the match, within the opening 15 minutes Henry Brown lifted an effort over the keeper but also, unfortunately for the midfielder also over the bar.

Shortly after Cameron Gardner saw a header go past the post from a Charlie Clements cross. Gardner was again involved as his close range effort was well saved by the keeper, however, the Town forward opened the scoring when he beautifully curled in with his right foot from the edge of the box inside the opening 20 minutes.

Despite Town having a 1-0 lead and dominating the early exchanges the game ended up being a battle for possession for the remainder of the half, with neither side managing to carve out any real clear cut chances, meaning the visitors led by one at the break.

The second half brought about a change of approach by the hosts, Shrewsbury became more direct and had greater territory without creating a mass of chances, when they did Seb Auton in the Town goal kept them at bay.

Grimsby did double their lead when Grayson Giles raced clear, rounded the keeper and passed into an empty net. Following their second, Town had a number of half chances to extend their lead but couldn’t capitalise ultimately settling for a 0-2 win.

The young Mariners progress to the Northern Semi Finals with the draw still to be made, in the meantime next up for Town is Harrogate at home next Saturday, kick-off at 11am at Bradley FDC.

 

Town Team: Auton, Axcell, Bradley, Abraham, Foy, Cribb, Shipstone (Giles, 46′), Brown, Gardner, Clement,  Collins (Burt, 60′)

Subs not used: Mitchell, Rennardson, Blankley

UTM