In a huge relegation six pointer in the Northern Premier Midland Division, Grantham Town couldn’t find the cutting edge in front of goal after a 0-0 draw at home to Lye Town. The result does not do the Lincolnshire side any favours in the relegation battle with the club sat 21st in the table, eleven points from safety.
Nathan Arnold made five changes to the side that lost at Coleshill Town. Two debutants made their way into the eleven with goalkeeper Paul Cooper playing his first game for the club after arriving from Buxton. Also in the team making his debut was Charlie Parks after arriving on a work experience loan from Lincoln City. Ben Richards made his first start of the season with Harry Olivant and Lewis Darlington entering the eleven. Curtis Hall, Ryan Ebanks, Denny Oliver, Gbolaham Okewoye and Jevin Seaton all came out of the starting line up.
The first big chance of the game did fall to the home side where after a Sam Muggleton long throw, the ball fell kindly for Max Cook inside the box and his volley was tipped over the bar by Ben Newey. Arnold’s men tried to utilise Muggleton’s long throw which was causing issues for the Lye defenders.
The resulting corner provided another big chance with debutant Parks getting a header on goal but it was blocked on the line. Grantham were pushing for a much needed leading goal in what was a crucial game for their season.
They came close again and really tested Lye keeper Newey. A counter attacking move saw Darlington take a low shot from outside the box which Newey got down low to push away only as far as Freddie Allen and he was also denied but this time from close range. Allen was close to getting his first goal since having his loan extended until the end of the season.
The visitors best chance of the half came for midfielder Denis Digie as he took range from outside of the box but caused no issue for debutant Cooper who easily claimed the ball.
Into the second half the away side had an opportunity after a cross from the right side was met by Matt Saunders but he could not direct his header on target as it went over the crossbar. The visitors looked to take the lead against the run of play with hosts being the better of the sides thus far.
Then with 20 minutes to go, Grantham missed a huge opportunity to go in front. A ball over the top confused Newey and a defender which meant substitute Seaton got past them both and had an open goal to aim for. The forward went from distance but ended up dragging his shot wide leaving everyone stunned. A huge opportunity that went begging for Grantham and in their relegation fight.
The away side did also have a big opportunity of their own. Digie caused issues again as he ran through from the halfway line into the box and from close range put his shot wide. Two huge chances at both ends but neither side had that clinical edge.
That was the final action of the game with both sides having to settle for a point in the end. Gingerbread’s boss Arnold stated his frustration of not picking up three points but was happy with how his team played.
“I think we did enough to win the game for sure. Pleased with the effort, commitment, desire and the determination to win the game and on another day we come out with three points and it's a good victory but unfortunately you know we didn’t take our chances”
Arnold will be looking for his first win in charge when Grantham host Sporting Khalsa where they will look to roll on their sleeves in the fight for survival.
By Kian Harper
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