Grimsby Town embark on their longest journey of the season as they travel to strugglers Torquay United in the Coca Cola League Two fixture.
Vital Quotes:
Torquay manager Leroy Rosenior said after his FA Cup replay exit on Tuesday to Premiership strugglers Birmingham City: ‘I was delighted with them. Now that’s out of the way, let’s win on Saturday and start picking up points in the league.
‘We can’t put games away at the moment – we are playing well but when we have got teams on the rack we are not putting them away.’
Torquay United Team News:
Torquay have struggled this season so far with a few dodgy performances and a few injuries. They currently sit 3rd from bottom in the League Two table.
First choice strikers Morike Sako and top scorer Alan Connell both look to miss today’s clash against Grimsby Town leaving manager Leroy Rosenior with a struggle to fill the void up front. Tony Bedeau and Jo Kuffour seem likely candidates for the starting lineup.
New signing Marc Walton, who impressed in training, will be rewarded with a place on the bench alongside former Mariner Paul Robinson who is available to play again.
Defender Craig Taylor looks set to miss out as does midfielder Brian McGlinchey who is a long term casualty.
Loan signing Adam Lockwood has been recalled by Yeovil Town.
Rosenior reports no other injury worries ahead of today’s game.
Player to watch: Darren Garner
Garner joined the Gulls last seaso, initially on loan, and became an instant hit. The former Rotherham and Plymouth midfielder is a deadball specialist and will cause a few problems for Grimsby.
With 10 yellow cards already this season Grimsby boss Russell Slade should expect his team to have a few bruised shins by 4.45pm.
Grimsby Town Team News:
Grimsby Town have performed well beyond expectations this season and currently occupy 3rd position in the League Two table. Promotion is a strong possibility for Russell Slade’s men and a good result against Torquay today should see them consolidate their position at title challengers.
Defenders Justin Whittle and Simon Ramsden are still out of contention for a recall following their long term injuries but with the yellow cards mixup out of the way Ben Futcher should partner Rob Jones who came through training ok on Friday. Loanee Matt Bloomer looks set for a place on the bench along with John McDermott.
Former Torquay United striker Martin Gritton is unlikely to force Reddy or Gary Jones from the front line and will settle for a place in the dugout.
Player to watch: Ben Futcher
Ben Futcher looks set to follow in his Dad Paul Futcher’s footsteps by becoming a Mariners legend. Futcher signed a three year contract last week and impressed in his debut in the 0-0 draw at Darlington.
The towering centre back, at 6ft 7in, is likely to cause a few headaches for opposing strikers, especially Jo Kuffour who only stands at 5ft 7in and not considered as a prolific scorer anyway.
Match Facts & Stats
In 17 previous league meetings between the two teams Grimsby have the edge with a record of 8 wins, 4 draws and 5 defeats.
In Torquay’s lineup today only one player has worn the black and white stripes of Grimsby Town – Paul Robinson. Robinson spent time on loan at Grimsby during the 2001-2002 season and again the following season making a total of 17 league appearances and one cup appearance scoring only one goal.
On the Grimsby bench sits the only player of the lineup who’s played for Torquay, Martin Gritton. Martin joined the Mariners midway through last season and has looked sharp.
Next Fixtures:
Next Tuesday the Mariners continue their roadtrip after visits to Darlington and today’s opponents Torquay with a drive to Stockport County. This is followed by Grimsby’s first home game in four as Peterborough United visit the hallowed Blundell Park turf next Saturday.
