Macclesfield, Darlington and Grimsby were all in action last night at the wrong end of the table but things went to form at the right, or not so so to speak. A three hundred percent of Budget Ben Davies strike settled things between Notts County and Chesterfield showing that justice, League 2 and anyone giving a hoot do not go together. Rest assured Spireites though you are playing things straight down the line I will be referring to you as the Crooked Church again from now on.
We`ll start with Darlo though quite frankly the fat lady has already left the stage by the looks of things. To their credit Darlington managed a draw with Tadgh Purcell, who sounds like he should come with every washing machine, continuing his crusade to a brighter perhaps whiter future with his sixth goal in 10 games. The Irish lad got a penalty to give the Quakers (clearly the nickname has nothing to do with their ability to make the earth move) another lead to throw away after Cresswell brought Gary Smith down to earth with a bump in the box. Three minutes before half time a tangle between Josh Gray and Dawson gave Lowe the chance to equalise. Lowe and Jones had chances for Bury but they still leapfrogged the Crooked Church as Darlo held out for a rare point.
The all but fried Grimsby played ‘oh yes we have oh no we haven`t` saved our selves at Crewe to leave them a bit further up the junction. Coming from behind twice to go in at 2-2 at the break a few down the A46 were touching cloth at half time. Bet they went through a few nails and chomped a few carrots in Cheltenham too, those that aren`t still rubbing their hands with glee that Lincoln got Paul Connor that is. Well fear not for we can always rely on the Mariners defence, four chaps so charitable they should be canonised at Lincoln cathedral for services to Lincolnshire football this summer, because to be honest the Mariners look safe as houses going forward. The Cods are creative, Sweeney more potent than a pole vaulter on Viagra, conducted things in the middle for periods and despite being 2-3 down a double attacking substitution saw them nearly equalise as Proudlock looks every bit a preditor with ability. But when alas it comes to defensive prowess we are talking sandcastles on a beach with the tide coming in and a body builders dog *****ing on your tallest turret. What can you do? Colgan aside the Cods could have conceded six or eight.
Winger Grant, a freeman of Cheshire by the looks of things laid on Moore who fired Crewe in front after 12 minutes. French double-barrelled spanky spanky Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro made the commentators night when he coolly fired into the corner. The poor chap was still trying to pronounce his name three minutes later when Grant strode in and stroked home unopposed with Moore the predator turned provider. Six minutes later Sinclair struck from close range to give Woods a chance to chat over a half time cupper. Ten minutes after half time Donaldson played in Ashley Westwood whose stunning strike whistled into the net.
To say the Mariners could not deal with Donaldson was an understatement as he again streaked clear of the Mariners Margarine style of defensive formation, past Paul Linwood to beat poor Colgan for the fourth. Mr Fenty should phone Flora because nothing spreads easier than Grimsby, and at this rate he is only going to get a £250,000 parachute payment as a return on his investment. And they do say every port in a storm. Carl Martin was left smarting for his 86th-minute straight red challenge on Michael Leary. Dario feels another of those will be an interesting career move to say the least. Strange too as Leary is such a lovable bloke, butter wouldn`t melt. Mmmm make that Flora call.
Macclesfield continue their inspired run with four points from a possible six. Gary Simpson just wants them to get points on the board as he bravely holds together the Silkmen who were hanging by a thread after the death of Keith Alexander. Playoff hopefuls Accrington were given a huge test and were fortunate to go ahead after 65 minutes when Kee made the most of a Draper mistake to rifle a low drive home. Macclesfield kept going and Simmo brought on Tipton with twenty minutes to go and Emile Sinclair forced Edwards into a handball for a contentious equaliser and a deserved share of the points. Tipton, who is enjoying his third spell at the club, scored from the resulting penalty with just over 10 minutes on the clock.
Another big weekend sees Lincoln City play Hereford on Friday evening. Then on the Saturday Burton play host to Cheltenham and a bit of all hail to the ale would not go amiss there. Good luck to Macclesfield on their all important Keith and derby day against Bury. Morecambe’s Shrimpers will be aiming to net the Mariners whilst Northampton will ease into the playoffs thanks to a home banker against Darlo. Lets hope for a draw at Torquay as they cross railway sleepers with Crewe.
A roll on the drums please…. the important end of the League 2 table
17 Barnet 34 -9 38
18 Hereford 34 -15 38
19 Torquay 35 -3 36
20 Macclesfield 34 -9 36
21 Lincoln City 34 -20 35
22 Cheltenham 34 -16 31
23 Grimsby 35 -23 27
24 Darlington 32 -44 16
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