Managerless Grimsby have won both of their last two games by 2-1 margins.
Caretaker boss Dave Moore openly admits that the Mariners had been second best for long periods of the game on saturday at Kettering, but praised his side for their efforts and determination in grinding out a result.
Town will also be looking to gain some revenge for the 4-1 defeat that they suffered at Nene Park earlier in the season.
Kenny Arthur was injured in that game, but had to soldier on as there was no goalkeeper on Grimsby’s bench. However, it was the very poor defensive performance that contributed most to the heavy defeat.
The Diamonds have lost only one game in their last eleven outings, and sit two places and one point ahead of Grimsby.
Manager Justin Edinburgh has admitted being approached by Town chairman John Fenty about Town’s vacancy, but he has signed a long term deal in Irthlingborough since Liam Beasant replaced Gary Calder as chairman of the club.
Vital Quotes:
Both managers were clearly focused on the fifth place in the table when speaking to their respective Grimsby and Northampton Evening Telegraphs.
Moore said :
‘Rushden have done very well recently. There is probably one play-off spot still available and they are definitely one of the teams still going for it. I don’t think it is a six-pointer because there are more than just us and them going for it, with teams like York and Darlington.
Every game is three points and that is all you can get, but if we win we will go above them.’
Edinburgh had this to say :
‘Realistically there is one place to go for.
‘I’ve always had no doubt Grimsby are one of the teams who would be in and around it. The caretaker manager (Dave Moore) has made it clear that he doesn’t want the job and sometimes that can have a good effect by working without any fear.
‘They’ve had some good results, including a late comeback on Saturday at Kettering Town.
‘Regardless of who’s in charge, it’s a tough test going up there and Grimsby have very good players’.
On the manager’s post at Grimsby he added :
‘I had a conversation with Grimsby’s chairman because I will always answer a call. But I made it clear that I enjoy my job here.
‘With the position I’m now in with the owners, I feel at ease, comfortable and positive’.
Grimsby Town Team News:
Dave Moore will still be without the suspended pair, Cummins and Hudson.
Bryan Hughes is still struggling with an achilles injury and will not be considered.
Peter Bore missed most of monday’s training with a tight groin, but is expected to be available.
Striker Charles Ademeno is now fully fit again, and will be in the squad.
But Moore is keeping his cards close to his chest. When asked on Mariners Player if he would be making any changes he simply replied, ‘Yea, might do’.
Player to watch: Alan Connell
Alan got over his barren spell with a superb finish last saturday.
He looks in the mood to increase his impressive goal tally and push Town towards the play-offs.
Rushden & Diamonds Team News:
Rushden & Diamonds are likely to be without six of their first team squad.
Curtis Osano (calf), Michael Corcoran (knee), Aaron O’Connor (leg), Ryan Charles (ankle), Sam Smith (groin) and Neil Cousins (knee) will all be sidelined for this match.
Former Town loanee from Portsmouth, Paris Cowan Hall, is currently with the Diamonds on loan from his now parent club, Scunthorpe United. He is expected to start this evening.
Player to watch: Michael Gash
Rumoured to have been a transfer target of former boss Neil Woods, Gash has been in good scoring form since his loan switch from York City on 1st January.
Gash has netted six times for Rushden, including a four goal haul in the recent 5-1 victory over Bath City.
Match Facts & Stats
The reverse fixture at Nene Park.
Sat, 28th August 2010 Att : 1,575
Rushden & Diamonds 4 (Miller,41 Charles,59 Howe,60 Porter,66)
Grimsby Town 1 (Hudson, 47)
Next Fixtures:
Bath City (away) Sat, 19 March – 3pm
