Terrier on the Terraces: Town hit back

Town twice came from behind to overcome stubborn non-league opponents Grimsby 3-2 at Blundell Park last week.

It was pleasing for Town fans that, after a shaky spell, they stuck to the passing game which has been a hallmark of this season’s performances.

In those circumstances, a goal down to a side three divisions below, it would have been easy for panic to set in and for Town to resort to long balls pumped into the penalty area.

Instead, Town had the confidence and the belief to carry on playing the way Mark Robins has instilled in his side this season.

In Martin Paterson’s 86th minute equaliser and the 90th minute own goal that settled the game, it brought its rewards as Town just about deserved the win after a strong first half performance and a determined display in the second.

Although Grimsby rightly take many plaudits for their determination and the way they raised their game, and they didn’t deserve to lose to a last-minute own goal, on balance the result was the right one.

Should Charlton triumph in their clash with Oxford, it will set up a third match between Town and the Addicks in Huddersfield this season.

On the other hand, Town and Oxford haven’t played each other since an Efe Sodje header won the game at the Kassam Stadium in the Terriers’ Third Division promotion season ten years ago.

Things have changed since both sides were gunning for automatic promotion from the fourth tier.

Before returning their attentions to the FA Cup, Town have an important run of league games starting at home to Millwall on Saturday.

The Lions may be struggling at the wrong end of the Championship but this week, raised a few eyebrows when they appointed former Blackpool and Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway as their new manager.