Grimsby Town’s dramatic comeback against Harrogate Town
saw the spoils shared in a 3-3 thriller.
A dramatic final thirty minutes in North Yorkshire saw Grimsby Town complete a
dramatic comeback to earn a point, with Jaze Kabia’s stoppage-time equaliser
ensuring the spoils were shared.
With the Mariners’ line-up unchanged from last week’s 3-0 victory over Crawley Town, Harrogate Town were forced into a change with Shawn McCoulsky coming in for Mason Bennett, who sustained an injury against Bristol Rovers.
A tight first half saw four bookings while Grimsby carved out the better of the chances, with Charles Vernam blazing over the crossbar while Kieran Green’s left-footed effort found the wrong side of the post.
Half-time: Harrogate Town 0-0 Grimsby Town
With both sides looking to follow up on opening day victories, the second half took to life.
The 59th minute saw a quickly taken free kick fall into the path of Reece Smith, who hit home his first EFL goal with the aid of a slight deflection.
Turning to the bench, Evan Khouri and Darragh Burns made way for summer signings Jamie Walker and Justin Amaluzor, with Walker’s clever dummy seeing Vernam tuck home the equaliser from close range.
However, Mariners’ celebrations were short-lived, as Christy Pym’s coming together with Shawn McCoulsky saw the home side awarded a penalty only three minutes later, with Ellis Taylor making no mistake from the spot and restoring his side’s lead.
Now smelling blood, Simon Weaver’s side seemed to have wrapped up the victory as
McCoulsky’s clever lay-off saw the substitute Conor McAleny curl home his first goal for the club, with the Sulphurites now two goals in front.
However, the visitors were down but not out, as intricate play around the Harrogate box saw Harvey Rodgers rifle home an effort from 20 yards, giving Artell’s side a lifeline with stoppage time looming.
In the 92nd minute, Kabia completed the comeback with a calm finish past Belshaw, ensuring both sides’ unbeaten starts to the campaign stayed intact.
