Inside Grimsby’s FA Cup push as Wolves escape with 1-0 win | OneFootball

Wolves edged past League Two Grimsby 1-0 in a sodden FA Cup tie at Blundell Park, with Rob Edwards acknowledging how awkward the hosts made it.

Santiago Bueno settled it with Wolves’ only shot on target, and Grimsby passed up two big chances in the final five minutes. Wolves were the third Premier League visitors this season, only the second to win there. According to NY Times, the pitch resembled a bog, forcing a more direct game than planned.

Before kick-off, Edwards visited David Artell in an office once used by Bill Shankly, the managers sharing Coke Zeros rather than wine. Mindful of Grimsby’s EFL Cup shootout win over Manchester United in August, Wolves even sent a recce to underline the tight facilities and the stand that dates to 1901.

Artell’s staff had flagged Wolves’ midfield rotations, drilling pressing triggers, underlaps and set-piece ploys. Eight clean sheets in 10 had stiffened belief, though training was shifted to Clee Fields due to waterlogged pitches.

Artell urged a front-foot start and Charles Vernam almost struck inside a minute as Grimsby bossed territory before the interval. At half-time the players felt on top, but the conditions reduced plans to turning Wolves and chasing.

Bueno’s finish proved decisive and Wolves held on, with goalkeeper Jackson Smith, on loan from Walsall, warming his gloves on a radiator in the break. Post-match, staff pressed the need to carry momentum into the league and focus on Walsall on Wednesday, after a 10-game unbeaten run had lifted Grimsby to eighth, now 10th after the weekend.

Source: NY Times