Hannah - Sky Sports Expert

A fitting tribute

Posted: 08th March 2010 13:20

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A fitting tribute

Akpa Akpro: added the third in a fitting tribute

The spirit of Keith and Calvin were with the town players on Saturday against Shrewsbury when the Mariners picked up their first win in 25 league matches, which was a long time coming.

Grimsby FanZoner Hannah Cawsey
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I'll start off the blog by firstly congratulating my auntie on the arrival of her baby boy as well as my friends Jamie and Jess Clarke on the birth of their baby girl, Lily, both born on 25th February.

I thought it appropriate to start with the good news as the week just went down hill from there. Sunday brought about news of the untimely death of 17 year old Grimsby Town fan Calvin Saunders whose life was sadly cut short in a car accident. Wednesday brought about the tragic news that Keith Alexander, a real Grimsby legend, sadly passed away in his sleep.

A true gentleman, Keith will be sorely missed by football fans across the country and I think it's a real tribute to his life and achievements that nobody has a bad word to say about him and that all of the football fans I know were completely devastated by the news.

The spirit of Keith and Calvin were with the town players on Saturday against Shrewsbury when the Mariners picked up their first win in 25 league matches, which was a long time coming. There was a sombre atmosphere at Blundell Park as the referee blew for the one minute's silence to pay tribute to Keith.

Inspired

It was a sight rarely seen at Blundell Park as the pre-match crowd usually seem to be buzzing with banter and joviality, but Saturday certainly couldn't have been more different as young and old fans came to pay their respects to a man who truly touched every Mariners fan in one way or another.

However, I'm sure Keith will understand if I move on to talk about the win now which was a long time coming - and for once I had cracked open the booze to celebrate and not to drown my sorrows!

The first half of the usual story of poor standard League Two refereeing which saw Town being denied two penalties but then just before the first half was up the referee miraculously awarded a penalty to the Mariners which Dean Sinclair coolly put away. The perfect time to score as the Black and Whites went into the break in control and a goal ahead!

The second half brought about a clumsy but no less well-earned second goal from Mr Sinclair, which was followed by a lovely piece of football (I know that's not something I can say very often) by Jean Louis Akpa Akpro that put Town 3-0 up and I think I'm not alone when I say that the mood amongst the fans changed to be up beat and jovial - that win was definitely for Keith!

Although I'm saddened by the fact that this week I couldn't use my typical blog template about depression and wine - which means it took me twice as long to write this blog - it's worth it for a Town win!

Hypocritical

I can't be the only person comparing our fixtures with Cheltenham's and thinking that we're not written off this season. So here's me being all hypocritical and preachy, but let's get behind the boys and start some positive, Uri Geller style and lets push for the promotion!

Ok, well maybe not but I think we could stay in the league this year and that seems a good reward for all Neil Woods' hard work and dedication.

My mate Youngy usually texts me after matches saying that we're putting on some Morrisey and crack out the gin. This week not only did Mr Young kiss Akpro during his goal celebration - he also got home and cracked open some Babysham and put on some KC And The Sunshine Band - talk about living the dream!

So I conclude with mixed messages: the spirit of Keith was certainly with us on Saturday and lets hope we can be inspired by his hard work and level-headedness to last us the season as I know every win we get from now on will be for him.

So to Keith and to Calvin, rest in peace.

Up the Mariners!

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