Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Rob Edwards characterized his team’s 1-0 FA Cup victory over Grimsby as an “aggressive game of headers and volleys,” as the Premier League side navigated through muddy conditions.
Though it was not an aesthetically pleasing match, a second-half goal from Santiago Bueno was sufficient for the Premier League outfit to overcome their League Two rivals in less-than-ideal surroundings.
The Mariners, who had previously taken down Manchester United in the League Cup earlier this season, were hopeful for another shock result in this fourth-round clash.
A victory against Wolves wouldn’t have carried the same weight as their August win over United, given Wolves’ struggles this season, and the treacherous pitch conditions at Blundell Park clearly leveled the playing field, making it difficult for either team to showcase quality football.
“Everything was set up for a potential cup upset. Tactics were thrown out the window; it felt like a throwback,” Edwards remarked. “The players were surprised when we arrived; the wind was fierce, and there were puddles on the field.
“It turned into a rough game of headers and volleys. It was a unique experience, truly challenging conditions for both teams.
“This type of game is a rarity, but in the end, we managed to win by being professional and doing things properly.”
“It was quite an experience for some of our Brazilian players, one they’ll remember.
“We emphasized the importance of mindset in the lead-up to this match.”
“It’s encouraging that they could perform against Manchester United earlier this season because that added to our respect for the opponent, the conditions, the match itself, and the competition. We executed the aspects we could control and did them well. That’s precisely what we achieved.”
The pitch passed through two pre-match inspections, but Wolves took time to find their rhythm as Grimsby displayed a stronger performance in the first half.
Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren came close to breaking the deadlock but, following the interval, Wolves found their footing, with Bueno’s goal in the 60th minute proving decisive.
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Grimsby boss David Artell noted that the pitch played a significant role in limiting his team’s performance.
“This felt like a classic FA Cup tie,” he said. “The pitch was a major factor, and I believe we would have preferred a better surface, as we had against United.
“I want to clarify that I’m not making excuses, but the conditions didn’t favor the style of play we aim for.
“That’s the situation we faced, and I thought both teams managed it reasonably well.
“Losing is never pleasant. It’s agonizing. Yet, reflecting on the match, it’s clear we were incredibly close, and with fine margins in our favor, we could have seen a different outcome.”