Grimsby Town vs Luton Town FC (7th Feb 2023)

Report | Grimsby Town 3-0 Luton Town

The Hatters crashed out of the Emirates FA Cup as League Two Grimsby deservedly won tonight's fourth round replay at Blundell Park with three first-half goals.

The Mariners struck with their three shots on target, as Harry Clifton, Danilo Orsi and Danny Amos netted before half-time to cause an upset in Lincolnshire.

Manager Rob Edwards made six changes from the side that beat Stoke on Saturday, with Elliot Thorpe making his first Luton start of the season after coming off the bench three times prior to a loan spell with Burton Albion.

Fred Onyedinma was back in the starting line-up for the first time since October after having had a big impact as a sub since his return from injury in the past fortnight.

Edwards named a midfield three of Louie Watson, Allan Campbell and Luke Berry, whilst Cauley Woodrow joined Elijah Adebayo up front, the latter who scored against Grimsby last time out.

Named amongst the substitutes was 17-year-old Axel Piesold. The former Tottenham Hotspur U18s midfielder recently signed a development contract with the Hatters after impressing on an extended trial from Dunstable Town.

Sixteen-year-old left-back Joe Johnson was also named on the bench after playing 90 minutes in the FA Youth Cup fifth round defeat to Preston at Kenilworth Road 24 hours earlier.

Adebayo saw a header drift wide of the far post from a Thorpe corner in the opening stages, but it was the hosts who took the lead in the ninth minute and it was Harry Clifton, scorer of their equaliser at Kenilworth Road last Saturday week, who smashed a left footer past Ethan Horvath after being played into the area by Danilo Orsi.

Watson picked out Adebayo with a pinpoint ball into the box on 15 minutes, but the striker's header back across goal was cleared, before Berry nodded over from a couple of yards out five minutes later after Osho had headed another Thorpe corner goalward.

Onyedinma drove into the box from the left flank in the 25th minute, only to see his cross-shot parried by Max Crocombe in the Grimsby goal.

But by the 27th minute it was 2-0 to the hosts, with Orsi collecting the ball from a lay-off from a throw and slamming another angled shot into the far corner of Horvath's net.

Town mounted an immediate response, Thorpe whipping in a dangerous cross from the right befor Bell and Onyedinma did likewise on the left, but each time the Mariners' backline stood strong.

Grimsby midfielder Brynn Morris was first into referee Sam Barrott's book for tripping Thorpe in full flight just outside the box, but Watson's curling free-kick was headed clear.

Town's first real chance came in the 39th minute when Osho made progress down the right and curled in an inviting cross that Adebayo met with a firm downward header, only for Crocombe to recover from a slip to save with his feet.

Louie Watson and Grimsby left-back Danny Amos were the next to see yellow for over-zealous challenges, then the hosts fashioned another shooting chance for right wing-back Michee Efete in time added on, but Onyedinma got back to deflect the ball behind for a corner.

Four minutes into that added period, the Mariners made it three with Amos' inswinging free-kick from the right beating everyone and going in off the far post to complete a horror half for the Hatters.

Edwards made two changes at the break, introducing Alfie Doughty and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu for Thorpe and Watson, and it was the former who created the first two chances of the second half, first crossing for Woodrow to flick a header goalward that Crocombe did brilliantly to save, then seconds later for Adebayo to head straight at the home keeper.

Two more changes followed just before the hour, with Jordan Clark on in midfield in place of Campbell, with a third striker thrown into the mix as top scorer Carlton Morris replaced left-sided centre-back Bell, with Woodrow dropping into the hole.

In the 61st minute the changes almost paid off, as Doughty picked out Morris with a diagonal ball and the striker laid it back for Berry to strike a 25-yarder that Crocombe did well to hold onto.

Doughty curled over himself on 63 minutes, then Woodrow crossed for Morris to send a header on goal two minutes later, Crocombe gathering comfortably.

Town were by now camped in the hosts' half, Clark whistling a shot past the post, although Grimsby posted another reminder of the threat they had carried throughout the two ties when Morris fired inches wide, just before Woodrow volleyed over the bar with quarter-of-an-hour to go after being teed up by Adebayo just outside the box.

Mpanzu came as close as anyone to getting a goal back when he sidefooted just past the post after a clever one-two with Woodrow on 88 minutes, but ultimately it was a night to quickly forget for the Hatters, and quickly turn the focus back to the Championship and Saturday's trip to Coventry.

Goals:

GT - Clifton 9, Orsi 27, Amos 45+4

Att: 7,051 (466 Hatters)

Reaction | Rob Edwards on Grimsby cup defeat

Manager Rob Edwards spoke of his disappointment after his side bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup following a 3-0 defeat against Grimsby Town.

The League Two side did the damage in a ruthless first half display with goals from Harry Clifton, Danilo Orsi and Ben Amos and the boss was left frustrated due to the manner in which his side conceded.

“Three really disappointing goals for us to concede, Edwards admitted post-match. “Two throw-ins and a free-kick, areas that we spoke about in the first game and we certainly tried to prepare for. They were very ruthless in front of goal for those moments, they had four shots on target and scored three and they deserved it and we didn’t on the night.

“We spoke about competing, doing the basics, running the duels and that is what we always talk about before every single game and they did that better than us in those moments. To concede those goals in the way we did, they were very poor goals from our point of view and that is something we have to learn from quickly.

Finally, Edwards paid tribute to the away supporters who travelled to Blundell Park this evening.

“Credit to Grimsby, it’s a disappointing night for us and what I’ve got to say to the 466 fans that travelled tonight, I apologise to them. They will be very disappointed, but they were great with us at the end. They’re great with us because of what the lads have done for them over a long period of time now, we have an honest group here, no one makes mistakes on purpose and everyone gives everything, they know that.

“Tonight wasn’t our night and so I hope they travel home safely and we owe them a performance on Saturday.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEkWdehN-Oo – Rob Edwards interview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvLzV1m_yWQ – Tom Lockyer interview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bl-sIw-V30 – Match highlights

Luton crash out of the FA Cup after a woeful first half defensive display at Grimsby

FA Cup fourth round replay: Grimsby Town 3 Luton Town 0

A terrible first half defensive performance saw Luton Town dumped out of the FA Cup at the hands of League Two Grimsby Town this evening.

The visitors found themselves breached three times in the opening 45 minutes, as everything the Mariners hit turned to gold, with the Hatters seemingly unable to do anything about it.

Although the second half turned into a one-sided contest, Luton dominating every aspect, they couldn't beat an inspired home keeper Max Crocombe or a valiant Grimsby back-line, who taught their high league opponents a thing or two about the art of keeping the ball out of their net, defending as if their lives depended on it.

With a lucrative televised trip to former Hatters manager Nathan Jones' Premier League Southampton awaiting the winner, current Town boss Rob Edwards rung the changes for the clash, six in total from Saturday's 1-0 win over Stoke.

Midfielder Elliot Thorpe making his first start of the season at wingback, with Luke Berry, Fred Onyedinma, Louie Watson, Gabe Osho and Cauley Woodrow all included too.

Youth teamers Joe Johnson and Axel Piesold were on the bench, as Town got off to the worst start imaginable when with just nine minutes gone, Town's defence was undone by a simple throw on the left hand side, which left Harry Clifton through on goal.

Although his shot was in Ethan Horvath's vicinity, it cannoned off the keeper’s legs and flew into the net, with the forward on target once more against the Hatters.

Town looked to weather an early storm from the clearly up for it hosts and gradually worked their way back into the game, a deep corner nodded back across goal with Berry rising highest to head over with 20 minutes gone.

Onyedinma then had his cross-shot batted away by Max Crocombe after a good burst forward by Amari'i Bell, but just as Town looked like they were starting to imprint their extra quality on the occasion, they then found themselves 2-0 on 28 minutes, as some more questionable defending saw Daniel Orsi latch on to a loose ball and lash past Horvath.

The Hatters tried to find a way back, with Onyedinma their main threat, sending over some dangerous crosses, but each time they were repelled by a Mariners head or foot.

Luton somehow didn't have a goal back before the break as with 39 gone, Osho swung over a quite brilliant ball for Elijah Adebayo whose downward header drew a wonderful, if slightly fortunate stop from Crocombe, who was able to save with his feet and then grab the loose ball.

With Town looking to get through to the break and regroup, they couldn't even do that, Daniel Amos's angled 25-yard free kick going over Horvath and into the net off the inside of the post for what proved a killer third.

Edwards responded to the opening 45 minutes by taking off Watson and Thorpe at the break, with Alfie Doughty and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu introduced.

Doughty was almost the architect of a lifeline, skimming a cross into the area and Woodrow's close range header stopped by the flailing arm of keeper Crocombe.

Edwards showed he certainly wasn't giving up on the competition, Carlton Morris and Jordan Clark on before the hour, but Crocombe was proving unbeatable, with a terrific low stop from Berry’s snapshot.

Doughty curled over as Luton continued to dominate, but just couldn't find the net, Woodrow speeding down the right and picking out Morris, his header easy for Crocombe this time.

Clark looked like he had got one back for Town on 68 minutes, only for his blast from distance to narrowly miss the bottom corner.

The attack versus defence pattern continued, with the defence winning, Luton working the ball neatly out to Onyedinma once more, his low ball in scuffed wide by Woodrow.

Grimsby showed they carried an occasional threat, Brynn Morris swivelling to shoot into the hoardings at the back post, as although Woodrow got a far better connection on his next attempt, he was unable to keep a 20-yard volley down.

Late on, the Hatters’ attacking woes on the evening were summed up, Mpanzu sidefooting off target and then Osho meeting Onyedinma’s cross, placing his header behind to bring the curtain down on a thoroughly miserable evening.

Mariners: Max Crocombe, Michee Efete, Kieran Green (Alex Hunt 66), Luke Waterfall (C), Gavan Holohan, Harry Clifton, Bryn Morris (Anthony Glennon 80), Daniel Orsi (Edwin Essel 87), Daniel Amos, Andy Smith, Niall Maher.

Subs not used: Shaun Pearson, Oliver Battersby, Sean Scannell, Evan Khouri.

Hatters: Ethan Horvath, Fred Onyedinma, Gabe Osho, Tom Lockyer (C), Amari'i Bell (Carlton Morris 59), Allan Campbell (Jordan Clark 59), Elliot Thorpe (Alfie Doughty 46) Luke Berry, Louie Watson (Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu 46), Cauley Woodrow, Elijah Adebayo.

Subs not used: James Shea, Reece Burke, Aribim Pepple, Axel Piesold, Joe Johnson.

Referee: Sam Barrott.

Booked: Morris 32, Watson 42, Amos 43, Efete 81, Onyedinma 90.

Attendance: 7,051 (466 Hatters).

Luton boss bitterly frustrated by 'infuriating' Mariners defeat

Town are dumped out at Blundell Park

Luton boss Rob Edwards was bitterly frustrated by Town’s ‘infuriating’ FA Cup exit at the hands of League Two Grimsby Town this evening.

A disastrous first half saw the Mariners score three goals from three shots on target against a much-changed visitors, Harry Clifton, Daniel Orsi and Daniel Amos all finding the net.

Although Town dominated the second period, they couldn’t find a way through, missing out on a trip to Premier League side Southampton in the next round.

Speaking afterwards, Edwards said: “It was three disappointing goals to concede, two throw-ins and a free kick, areas that we spoke about in the first game and certainly tried to prepare for in this game as well.

“But they were very, very ruthless in front of goal from those moments, four shots on target and scored three, credit to them they deserved it and we didn’t on the night.

“We expected that and we knew what was coming and that was the most disappointing and infuriating thing I think tonight.

“We spoke about matching that and more, competing, basics, running the duels, that’s what we always talk about before every single game and they did that better than us, especially in those moments.

“To concede those goals in the way we did, they were three very poor goals from our point of view, that's something we’ve got to learn from quickly.”

Edwards stands by his decision to make wholesale changes against Mariners

Much-altered Hatters are knocked out by League Two opposition

Luton boss Rob Edwards didn’t regret making wholesale changes for last night’s humbling 3-0 FA Cup fourth round exit at the hands of fourth tier side Grimsby Town.

With the Blundell Park replay coming at the midway point of an exhausting run of seven games in 22 days, the Hatters chief opted to swap six players who started the 1-0 win over Stoke City on Saturday.

One of them was enforced, on-loan Leeds United defender Cody Drameh ineligible, but Carlton Morris, Jordan Clark, Reece Burke, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu and Alfie Doughty all dropped to the bench.

In came Elliot Thorpe for his first start in 12 months, while Luke Berry was beginning just his third game of the season.

Fred Onyedinma was also restored to the starting line-up, with Allan Campbell, Louie Watson and Cauley Woodrow included.

It didn’t work though, as a first half blitz from the Mariners saw them take a 3-0 lead that they never looked like giving up, as when asked about the changes, Edwards said: “I believe in the players and the group that we’ve got, and it can be difficult at times.

“I felt it was the right thing to do to make a few changes.

"We’ve had three really tough games, we’ve got this game which we knew was going to be a really difficult game, then we’ve got three really difficult games again coming up in a seven day period.

“I can’t keep saying to our lads I’m going to need you all and how much I value you all and then not give anyone an opportunity.

“The team that went out I know was more than capable of winning that game, and in periods in the game you could see it, it was just those key moments that we didn’t deal with well enough.

“We’ve got a strong group, but unfortunately tonight, we came up short, and again, credit to Grimsby.”

Edwards did look to rectify the situation, bringing on Mpanzu and Doughy at half time, with Morris and Clark introduced before the hour mark.

Although they dominated possession, try as they might, the visitors couldn’t find a way through, Mariners keepers Max Crocombe in inspired form with terrific saves from Elijah Adebayo, Woodrow and Berry.

Edwards continued: “There was a couple of really good saves from close range headers, it wasn't our night in front of goal.

“We did need a goal, it didn't have to come really early, but obviously we needed a goal to come back in the game.

“It didn’t come, we searched, we tried, of course we controlled the game, they almost allowed that in the end.

“The attitude I cannot question, but we weren’t able to get the ball over the line.”

Victory for the Mariners saw their coffers boosted to the tune of just under £250,000 with prize money and the fifth round tie at Premier League side Southampton televised.

Asked how the Luton players had been in the dressing room after missing out on the chance to go deep into the competition, Edwards added: “They're disappointed, they're angry, they're frustrated.

“We wanted to be in the next round, the FA Cup is a brilliant competition.

“We knew what prize was at stake, going to a Premier League team and tonight let's be honest about it, we didn't deserve to win.

“In key moments they were better than us, throw-ins and a free kick and then we weren't able to score ourselves and hit the target in key moments or be ruthless when we had big chances.

“It's a disappointing night but the lads have got to bounce back and they will do, they’ll come in again on Thursday and they'll be at it.

“I know they will, as any kind of setback we’ve had so far, they've reacted in the right way in the next game.”

Edwards eager to apologise to Luton's 466 travelling fans after Grimsby cup upset

Town boss makes a point of saying sorry to away support at Blundell Park

Luton boss Rob Edwards was quick to apologise to Town’s travelling supporters after the Hatters were dumped out of the FA Cup at the hands of League Two Grimsby Town last night.

With 466 fans making the lengthy trip to Blundell Park for the fourth round replay, they could only watch in horror as the Mariners raced into a three-goal lead at the break, taking advantage of some second-rate defending from the visitors.

Although Town improved after the interval, they couldn’t find a way through against their dogged hosts, who sealed a famous win and went through to face Premier League Southampton in round five.

Speaking afterwards, Edwards said: “It’s a disappointing night and what I've got to say is to the 460-odd fans that travelled tonight, I will apologise to them.

“They’ve been very disappointed, but they were great with us at the end.

“They're great with us because of what the lads have done for them over a long period of time now.

"They know we’ve got an honest group here, no-one makes mistakes on purpose and everyone gives everything, they know that.

"Tonight wasn't our night, so I hope they travel home safely and we owe them a performance on Saturday.”

Following the full time whistle, Edwards took the whole squad over to the away end and stayed there for a good few minutes to applaud those who had made the trek up on a Tuesday night.

Despite the result, they still received a good ovation back, with the majority staying to the final whistle too, as Edwards added: “They know what this group's about and they've given them some fantastic moments over quite a long period of time now.

“We’re coming off the back of three wins in a row in the league and three clean sheets, and there is a feelgood factor around the club, but tonight it wasn’t us in certain moments.

“Again the fans were brilliant and again we owe them something on Saturday now, I know we’ll get a reaction.”