Freak weather greets freak win

Last updated : 30 July 2002 By Luke Thornhill
A 63rd minute header from Iron-Bru.net sponsored Martin Carruthers ensured a 100% defeat record for the first division Mariners.

Picked the side
With Brian Laws `on holiday` assistant manager Russ Wilcox took charge of the side, Russ picked what looks likely to be the same XI that kick off against Wrexham, with Andy Parton prefered on the right wing over Scott Brough.

If Matthew Sparrow is still out through injury, then either Parton or Brough will take his place and so far Parton looks to be the one who has impressed the management first.

The first half was absymally poor, with Carruthers hitting the side netting and a Beags free-kick going close.

Russ brought Russ Wilcox on at the interval, replacing summer signing Paul Wheatcroft - and it brought an immediate improvement from the front line, although against a sub-standard first division side that was ravaged with injuries and even lower on confidence than United.

The introduction of Torps does raise an interesting question, which we do all unfortunately know the answer - as soon as Torps returns from suspension will he be straight back into the side to partner Ghandi at the expense of Wheatcroft.

Well, yes.

Carruthers' goal came in the 63rd minute, heading home at the near post from a Peter Beagrie corner.

Young forward Andy Parton built on his great performance at Brigg Town on Saturday to impress yet again. Carruthers also spurned a couple of opportunites to increase the lead.

The cliche is that performances matter over results in pre-season, however a good result last night was more important in the players minds.

The Iron will next have a side out on Wednesday, when they meet Grantham Town in the final of last season's Lincolnshire Cup.

Due to fixture congestion the match had to be held over from last season.