TALKING POINTS
Dom Roman – @DomRoman
“United have to channel some of that Plainmoor style in this one to dig out 3 points”
STAYING ALIVE
‘And now the end is near, and so we face the final curtain’. Two song lyrics in the first talking point, I’m spoiling you! Of course the ‘final curtain’ could be an exaggeration (pull yourself together man…) because a win at Grimsby would keep our season alive for another week. From now on if we win one, the next one is also a must win, it’s just the way things are and Gary Johnson will demand another massive push at Blundell Park this weekend. Going for a win makes things simpler for the lads, no holding back – have a go and see where we are at 5pm on Saturday.
THE OPPOSITION
Grimsby Town gave one of the better away performances at Plainmoor on and off the pitch in September, their team too strong for the Gulls and their supporters making plenty of noise as they got accustomed to life in the National League. Town had a grand start to the season, then had a midway lull before once again becoming contenders. The win Paul Hurst’s men grabbed against Stockport felt like a big one for both of our seasons, and a big crowd will turn up expecting them to turn us over. Top scorer John McAtee took a knock last time out, so his absence would be a boost for the Gulls, whilst the central defensive pairing of Waterfall and Smith has been key to the Mariners finding form at just the right time. United have yet to win against one of the top teams away from home this season and have to channel some of that Plainmoor style in this one to dig out 3 points.
OPPOSITION Q&A – GRIMSBY TOWN by Bruce Fenwick
THE TEAM
Gary Johnson will be hoping Tom Lapslie is back for this one to energize the midfield, apart from that right wing back appears to be the only uncertain position (unless Dean Moxey has an injury problem). Johnson, Edwards and O’Connell have all given it a go in recent times, if the former is fit then it wouldn’t surprise me if his battling qualities are back in the starting line-up. Not a lot else for Gary to think about line-up wise, the squad is so small that even shuffling the subs bench is difficult.
DEFENCE
I think it’s safe to say that had the Mac-Wynts-Moxey-Lewis defensive axis been settled in at the start of the season, then the Gulls would be rather higher up the league. Only 1 conceded in the last five games and 4 clean sheets in that time for Shaun MacDonald. The keeper has continued to make crucial stops, whilst the understanding between the back 3 has become more and more comfortable as the weeks have passed. Dean Moxey limped off against Eastleigh, let’s hope he’s ready for Grimsby and the defence can keep things tight. Far too often in these type of games the Gulls have conceded first – avoid that and it could be our day.
ARMANI LITTLE
Who are the players that can win the game for United? Well we already know that don’t we! Armani Little had a quiet game on Monday, the ball not running his way and some frustrating moments that hinted at it not being our day. I don’t expect the midfielder to be as quiet at Blundell Park. It could take something special from a United player and Armani has provided many of those moments already this season, one more would be nice wouldn’t it! Safe journey to all those who make the big trip up to Grimsby, it’s been another mammoth effort from the Yellow Army this season, and I’m sure Armani and all his team mates have appreciated it.
PS – Well done the Torquay Women for winning the Devon Premier Cup, fantastic!
COYY – Dom
OTHER ARTICLES:
TT MATCH PREVIEW – GRIMSBY TOWN (A) by Steve Harris
TT PARTNERS
PROUD AWAY SPONSOR OF KLAIDI LOLOS
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