Thanks: Nathan Arnold

Nathan Arnold is a hero in the north of the county and in the county town many feel the same way. Like Cumming, he is one of only a few players likely to be able to dine out in both towns for free on his exploits. He bagged for the Cods as they won the National League play-off final, but always looked dangerous whenever we played them. Grimsby fans were genuinely gutted that he opted to sign for the Imps in the summer of 2016.

We were surprised to say the least having seen the damage he could do and to be fair, he played a major part in getting us into the Football League. However, he’ll always be remembered for one of two outstanding moments.

You can do what you like in the league, but when you score last-minute winners in big cup games, your name will always be remembered. The cup-run was so much more than one player, and of course others will be remembered for other moments. Still, that goal, that moment will always be etched in my memory.

90 minutes at Portman Road had brought us a wonderful 2-2 draw. We went back to the Bank and battled resolutely for another 90 minutes. Ipswich got a free kick which was cleared by Alan Power. It came to Adam Marriott who waited and then slipped a sumptuous pass into the path of Arnold. He sprinted through as if it were the first minute, brilliantly rounded the keeper and stroked the ball into an empty net. The image of him running towards the Imps fans with his thumb in his mouth will never leave me. It is one of the iconic and most enduring memories to come out of a wonderful season.

If that wasn’t enough he then produced a moment of sublime individual technique to all-but fire us to the Football League. A Matt Rhead headed pass (far more than a mere flick on) dropped behind the last defender, and Nathan had gambled. He caught it on his chest, and with the grace of a diving swan he turned full circle and struck the ball on the volley and into the back of the net. It was a moment worthy of winning the league, and only a Tranmere win against Guiseley prevented it from doing so. 

Cheers Fenty for messing him about in the first place.