Crewe’s first away game of the season takes them to Grimsby tomorrow, as Alex fans begin a tour of League Two for the first time in 15 years.
Vital Quotes:
Crewe captain Billy Jones on Crewe’s loyal away fans: ‘The away fans were terrific last season and really stuck with us and we need them again. They have been fantastic with us every since I came here and it does make a different to have a large following area, especially at a smaller ground because they can help us get was result.’ (Taken from crewealex.net)
Grimsby manager (and former Alex player) Mike Newell: ‘The season’s not started for us yet but a win against Crewe can get the fans behind us and on our side.
‘Crewe have always had a reputation for playing football, though under a new manager they may be a bit more direct.
‘They are a bit of an unknown quantity coming down from League One but I’m concentrating on how we play.
‘There needs to be an improvement from us if we are to get the right result and the players all know that.’ (Taken from the Grimsby Telegraph)
Grimsby Town Team News:
Grimsby’s first choice Goalkeeper Nick Colgan is out injured but Town have been quick to bring in Southampton youngster Tommy Forecast on loan as cover.
Forwards Adrian Forbes (Knee Surgery) & Nick Jarman (Metatarsal) are also both absent for the Mariners.
Player to watch: Barry Conlon
Prolific striker in League Two and lower league journeyman, scored a hat-trick in Grimsby’s final pre-season game followed by a goal in Town’s first league game in a 2-1 defeat away at Cheltenham last week.
Crewe Alexandra Team News:
Danny O’Donnell and James Bailey are definately ruled out for the Alex.
New loan signing Harry Worley looks set to go straight into the side in defence alongside Patrick Ada with Mat Mitchel-King pushing back into midfield.
Goalkeeper David Button has returned from injury and looks set to regain his place in goal after his midweek League Cup absence.
Likely team: Button, Brayford, Ada, Worley, Jones, Donaldson, Moore, Mitchel-King, Schumacher, Grant, Zola.
Player to watch: Calvin Zola
Despite missing a hatful of chances in the first two games of the season, Zola did manage to convert once on Tuesday night and will be looking to use his unsettling strength and power once again to good effect on Saturday.
Match Facts & Stats
When Grimsby have started the season away over the past ten years, their first home league game invariably fails to net a win. (Taken from codalmighty.com)
Last time the teams met at Blundell Park Crewe ran out 3-0 winners in the 2006/07 League Cup.
Ref Watch:
Ref: Mark Haywood.
Assistants: D Drysdale and J Whiteley.
Fourth Official: R P Newman.
Match Prediction:
Grimsby 1 – 1 Crewe
Next Fixtures:
Grimsby Vs. Rotherham 18/08/2009
Darlington Vs. Crewe 18/08/2009