Stockport County 0-0 Grimsby | Hatters Left Frustrated in Goalless Grimsby Draw

Simon Rusk cut a frustrated figure on the Stockport County bench as his side were unable to break down a well-drilled Grimsby Town defence in the pair’s 0-0 draw at Edgeley Park. 

Credit: Grimsby Town Football Club

Wasteful County Left to Rue Missed Chances

Stockport are still waiting for their first home win of the season, despite dominating for the majority of the match. Whilst Grimsby now have just one victory at Edgeley Park in their last 10 visits to Greater Manchester.

Credit: Stockport County Football Club/ Mike Petch

Chances came at a premium for both sides throughout the 90-minutes, with the best of the evening falling to Paddy Madden in the final moments of the match. Flashing a header just wide of the post, the 31-year-old was unable to direct the effort on goal.

John McAtee thought he had put the away side in front himself shortly after the break, but the Grimsby forward’s strike was ruled out after referee, Steve Copeland blew his whistle for an adjudged push by the 22-year-old on County defender Jordan Keane in the buildup.

County themselves had the ball in the back of the net shortly after, this time John Rooney slotting home, yet the assistant referee’s flag was raised to rule the goal out for offside.

County Kept Out in Frustrating Opening Half

The home side had made two changes to the team that beat Southend United 1-0 and after a slowish start to proceedings, County began to find their rhythm midway through the first period.

Aston Villa loanee, Arjan Raikhy - who was awarded Man of the Match on his home debut -  displayed his class with a number of neat touches in midfield, but despite the best creative efforts of the 18-year-old, Rusk’s side struggled to find a way past a resilient Grimsby defence.

On the occasions County were able to penetrate, wasteful finishing regularly cost the home side. Alex Reid passed up two quick-fire opportunities inside the penalty area, whilst Paddy Madden’s snap-shot from the edge of the box drifted just wide of James McKeown in the Mariners’ goal.

Improvement Needed for County Promotion Push

As one of the pre-season favourites to lift the National League title, County will be hoping for better returns in their future home fixtures.

It’s now six matches without a win at Edgeley Park for Rusk’s men, with the Hatters tending to enjoy their football more when playing away.

It will no doubt be a cause for concern inside the Stockport dressing room, yet the promotion hopefuls have shown enough in their opening two home fixtures to suggest their form is nothing more than a blip.

A trip to Boreham Wood is up next for County, before Yeovil Town travel to Stockport the following weekend.