Grimsby Town moved into the play-off spots after an impressive week, which saw the Mariners take seven points against three of their promotion rivals.
Hosting league leaders, Bromley, the two sides split the spoils in a 1-1 draw. The visitors took an early lead via Nicke Kabamba; however, it was short-lived after Charles Vernam converted from the spot minutes later.
While the point is respectable and moves the North Lincolnshire club into the top seven, the Mariners were largely disappointed not to take all three, including head coach David Artell.
How Did Grimsby Town vs Bromley Pan Out?
Grimsby started the better of the two sides, with Vernam having one cleared off the line early doors. Against the run of play, Kabamba put Andy Woodman’s men in front after a long-ball forward was not dealt with.
Quickly back on level terms, the Mariners continued to impose themselves in Bromley’s half. However, the visitors showed their efficient nature and made their lines difficult to break through.
In the second half, Ravens’ keeper Grant Smith was called into action. Substitute Jaze Kabia forced a smart double save, while Kieran Green and George McEachran also forced the 32-year-old’s reflexes.
However, the home side were nearly punished for their missed chances. Courtesy of a corner, Bromley nearly showed their efficient nature in full when Omar Sowumni’s header was met by a stunning save to Jackson Smith’s left corner, ensuring that the spoils were shared evenly.
David Artell’s Disappointment
Defeats for Crewe Alexandra and Chesterfield ensured Grimsby ended the weekend in the top seven, after what looked to be a difficult week on their fixture list.
Last Saturday, Vernam struck late to secure three points against Notts County, while three goals in nine minutes were enough to see past Salford City on Tuesday.
A return of seven points in three difficult fixtures is more than respectable, and is a credit to the turnaround David Artell’s men have had since the new year.
However, the Mariners were quite dominant yesterday, and had numerous chances to take the lead, which David Artell expressed his disappointment with:
“To get seven points from the week we’ve had is a good return, but in isolation, we’re frustrated not to win this game because we’ve had plenty of chances.
“A good week should have been an outstanding week because we’ve done more than enough here against a good side.”
“…their goal came from a direct ball forward, and their two big chances after that were from a free-kick and a corner, but that’s what Bromley do.
“We landed on a lot of second balls, and we moved with the game as a team really well, so there is disappointment in not capitalising fully on the performance.”
What Next for Grimsby?
With only one defeat in 2026, the Mariners now sit in the play-off spots with a game in hand over a bulk of their rivals. With three sides below them coming up on their fixtures list, there is a great opportunity to further affirm their top-seven position.
Jackson Smith and Andy Cook have proved to be inspired signings, while fans are also impressed with the sheer depth of the squad.
The Mariners will travel to Oldham Athletic next Saturday, with hopes of further asserting themselves in the League Two promotion picture.Â