Non-league blogger of the year 'Too Good To Go Down' looks back on another play-off semi-final exit...
I MUST admit, I was raging after the full-time whistle at Gateshead last Sunday.
I wrote in my column last week that all Grimsby Town needed to do was play as they had in the first leg of their play-off semi-final.
This, I suggested, would be enough to see the Mariners through to a Wembley final and a shot at promotion back to the Football League.
As we all know, that's not how it ended up. Town were lacklustre in the first half and found themselves a goal down due to a mistake by James McKeown.
Let's be fair – the keeper has been outstanding all year. The best stopper outside of the Football League, McKeown's arguably earned us more points than any other Mariners player – and let's not forget the world class double save at the death which kept the scoreline respectable.
But his mistake summed up the way Town finished their season against a Gateshead side that didn't need to really get out of first gear.
Yes, you could argue the referee ruined Town's chances by sending-off Scott Neilson for a soft challenge on Craig Baxter, but Town hadn't threatened up to that point in any case.
The red card actually galvanised the Mariners and Aswad Thomas's rampaging run to set up Craig Disley's equaliser gave Town fans hope.
But, as they say, it's the hope that kills you and as Gateshead started to rock, Sam Hatton ended Town's chances with two needless yellow cards. With nine men on the pitch, Town eventually lost 3-1.
I wasn't angry with any specific player, managerial decision or even the referee. I was just angry that a season which promised so much, ended up delivering so little and ended in such limp circumstances.
Like many supporters, I'd questioned whether Paul Hurst was the right man to lead us into next season. But after the initial disappointment of our play-off exit subsided, I was reminded that the grass isn't always greener.
Russell Slade left after never really winning over supporters and look how that worked out. Would ditching Hurst automatically give Town a greater chance of promotion next season?
There are lessons to be learned I'm sure. I'd love to see us play more attacking football, try and score more goals and start games in more dominant fashion.
We didn't score enough goals against the so-called lesser teams last year – hopefully that will be rectified next year.
As a couple of days passed, I realised that no matter who is in the dugout by August, I'll still be there at Blundell Park watching the likes of Eastleigh, Bristol Rovers and Torquay as we try and make it fifth time lucky in getting out of the Conference.
Maybe 2014/15 will be THE year? Players will be released and new ones will be signed. Tactics will be set, amended and perfected.
We'll pick up the customary three points at Sincil Bank on Boxing Day, a striker will miss a sitter and Shaun Pearson will get booked for dissent... several times!
No matter which players pull on the famous black and white stripes, regardless of who is in charge, we're all supporters of Grimsby Town and we all want the same thing. Promotion.
What do you think we need to make the 2014/15 a success? Tweet me @toogoodtogodown or let me know at www.toogoodtogodown.co.uk
