Grimsby end losing run at Rochdale but Artell rues another late twist
Thursday 22 October 2026 · By Robin Hargreave
Grimsby Town ended a run of four straight league defeats on Tuesday night, but it did not feel like a celebration. David Artell’s side led 2–1 at Rochdale with two minutes to go. Then Ian Henderson came off the bench to head an 88th-minute equaliser, and the game finished 2–2.
Rochdale went ahead before half-time through Dajaune Brown, scoring on the counter after Grimsby had controlled much of the half. Artell changed to a back three for this game. Joe Foulkes made his full league debut, and Andy Cook returned to the starting line-up. Grimsby turned it round in the second half. Captain Kieran Green nodded in on 57 minutes after Sam Waller saved Cook’s header. On 72 minutes Jamie Walker fired a low shot through a crowded penalty area for his first goal for the club. The crowd was 3,612.
“We were outstanding and should have won the game,” Artell told PA. “It probably summed up our season so far - we should have won comfortably having shown outstanding character in adversity - the run we’ve been on, the injury list.”
He also mentioned the away support. “The fans knew that, that’s nearly a thousand travelling supporters applauded us off at the end,” he said.
Speaking to Grimsby Live, Artell defended his side’s underlying numbers. “I got sent an expected points table, and we’re third in it,” he said. “Fans will think I’m chatting a load of baloney, but I’ve been doing this for nearly eight years now, so I know when we’re miles off it and know when we’re close.”
Grimsby’s defensive injuries continue to mount. The club confirmed that Edon Pruti had surgery on Monday on the double leg break he suffered against Northampton Town on Saturday. A metal rod was fitted to stabilise the fracture. He was discharged from hospital the same day and now faces “a lengthy period of recovery and rehabilitation”.
Before the game, Artell said Doug Tharme was due to have a scan on a suspected hamstring injury. The club’s account of the press conference said it is similar to a previous injury but on the other side. No scan result has been published.
Grimsby are 17th on 14 points from 12 games.
They travel to Gillingham on Saturday 24 October (3pm BST). Gareth Ainsworth’s side are also struggling with injuries and drew 1–1 with Port Vale on Tuesday. York City then visit Blundell Park on Saturday 31 October (12.30pm GMT).
In the FA Cup first round, Grimsby travel to eighth-tier Stafford Rangers over the weekend of 7 November. Stafford beat Gateshead 5–0 in their replay.
Artell insists he will not let the pressure affect his team. “I can’t let the pressure get to me because that feeds into the team,” he said. “The pressure is always there in every game, but I know how good we are.”
Blundell Park sits tight among the streets of Cleethorpes, a short walk from the Humber and the sea air that visiting supporters mention every winter. Grimsby Town have played here since 1899. The ground holds a little over 9,000 in an all-seater, no-smoking stadium. It is compact, slightly awkward in places, and full of character. If you are coming for the first time, allow extra time: the streets are residential, parking is tight, and the stands do not wrap the pitch in a neat bowl.
Away fans are housed in the Osmond Stand, the east end, opposite the Pontoon. Built in 1939, it can take up to about 1,880 supporters when the whole end is given over. For many League games the allocation is smaller and you will sit in the covered corner rather than fully behind the goal. Pillars and a low roof spoil some sightlines, so if you have a choice of seat, ask your club which blocks are clearer. Larger followings are placed behind the goal itself. Stewards’ directions override the number printed on the ticket if sections are re-cut on the day.
The Pontoon Stand faces you across the pitch. That is the home end: black-and-white seats, drums, flags, and the noise. The Main Stand runs along the north touchline on Harrington Street. Parts of it date from 1901. The tunnel, changing rooms and most wheelchair bays sit in that stand. Opposite, on the south side, is the two-tier stand now sponsored by Ramsden’s Home Interiors, still widely called the Young’s or Findus Stand. It does not run the full length of the pitch. The upper tier is the place for a view of the estuary as well as the match.
By car, sat-nav DN35 7PY. Follow the M180 onto the A180, which runs close to the ground. Coach drop-off is usually arranged around Harrington Street / Tiverton Street. Street parking fills early and some roads have match-day restrictions, so arrive with time to walk. New Clee station is the nearest rail stop, a short walk; Cleethorpes station is further but useful if you are combining the game with the promenade. Away turnstiles are signed toward the Osmond / Grimsby Road side. After full time, departure from the away end can be held for a few minutes.
There is a dedicated away bar inside the Osmond — often called Scotties — plus Mariners Trust bars elsewhere in the ground. Alcohol availability depends on which slice of the Osmond you have been given. Food is the usual football fare; prices are generally kinder than at bigger clubs. Programmes are sold inside and outside. The club shop and ticket office sit with the two-tier stand off Constitutional Avenue, by McDonald’s, and open before and after kick-off.
Dress for the coast. Even in August the wind off the Humber can cut through the Osmond. In January it is properly cold. The stadium is all-seater; standing in gangways will get you moved on. Disabled supporters: wheelchair bays exist in the Main Stand for home and away use, with further provision in the Osmond for visiting fans on request through your club. Accessible toilets are limited because of the age of the buildings — check with Grimsby in advance if you need one in the away end.
Blundell Park will not dazzle you with hospitality suites. What it offers is a proper old Football League ground, a noisy home end in front of one goal, and an away end in front of the other. Get in early, find a seat without a post in your eyeline, and wrap up. That is half the job done.