Grimsby Town 3 Oldham Athletic 3

Last updated : 26 December 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Grimsby and Oldham served up some terrific holiday entertainment for Blundell Park's biggest crowd of the season with a six-goal thriller in a 3-3 draw.

It was great point for the home side, who played for almost 75minutes with ten men after central defender Tony Crane was red carded when he brought down Latics striker Jermaine Johnson who was clear on goal.

At this point Grimsby were leading through Phil Jevons' super eighth minute effort but Johnson struck Oldham level following the sending off.

The Latics dominated the first half but only had Ernest Cooksey's 32nd minute goal to show for it.

But Grimsby came out fighting in the second half and leading scorer Michael Boulding put them right back in it with a 56th minute equaliser.

But Oldham roared back to regain the lead at 3-2 through sub Scott Vernon, but Grimsby refused to lie down and Jevons scored his second and Grimsby's third of the game on 74 minutes.

Towards the end the Mariners were hanging on grimly and Oldham had the chances to have taken all three points.

Nobody went closer than livewire Johnson who almost snapped the crossbar from 25 yards but Grimsby dug deep, defended in depth and held on for a precious point.

The home side left the field to a tremendous reception from the 6,172 crowd who had enjoyed a terrific clash between two attacking sides.

Afterwards Grimsby's Crane admitted he deserved to be sent off while Oldham caretaker manager John Sheridan admitted it was two points lost after his side had twice led against ten men.

But, he was pleased to maintain the unbeaten record since he stepped in for the departed Iain Dowie and said that with two home games to come, starting with Hartlepool, they were looking to build in the bright start.