Away form has been the Achilles heel for Grimsby Town so far this season and they are yet to collect three points on the road, despite coming close on a couple of occasions.
Overall, they have just one win from their last nine matches in Sky Bet League Two and are looking to ignite their campaign as they bring a bumper away following to the Eco-Power Stadium.
The Mariners took the spoils on their last visit to DN4, with George Lloyd netting a 96th minute winner to claim the three points in April.
LAST TIME OUT
Grimsby Town 2 Colchester United 3
Tuesday, October 24, Sky Bet League Two
Line-up: Eastwood, Efete, Rodgers, Maher, Amos, Mullarkey (Green 46), Conteh (Gnahoua 89), Holohan (Andrews 36), Eisa, Rose, Wilson. Subs not used: Cartwright, Waterfall, Khan, Pyke.
THE MANAGER
Manager Paul Hurst has been in charge at Blundell Park since December 2020 and succeeded in restoring the club to the EFL via the play-offs in 2022 before finishing 11th in League Two last term.
This is the 49-year-old's second spell at the club, having taken charge in 2011, initially alongside Rob Scott. Hurst oversaw promotion back to the EFL in 2016, bringing to an end a six-year spell in non-league.
He joined Shrewsbury Town in 2016 and guided them away from relegation danger in his first season before taking them to the League One Play-Off final and the EFL Trophy decider in his second term, earning him a move to Ipswich Town.
THE KEY MEN
Goalkeeper – Jake Eastwood
The 27-year-old joined the Mariners in the summer from Sheffield United, having emerged through the youth set-up at Bramall Lane. His senior debut for the Blades came in August 2017 but that was his solitary appearance for the club. The Rotherham-born keeper had 11 loan spells prior to joining Grimsby, taking in the likes of Scunthorpe United, Ross County, Portsmouth and Rochdale – plus a temporary stint at Blundell Park.
Defender – Danny Amos
An incredibly familiar face for Rovers fans, the left back came through the ranks in the Academy before going on to make 25 appearances for the club – as well as a few memorable stints as co-commentator on iFollow. After leaving Rovers in 2021, Amos had a short spell with Port Vale before joining Grimsby’s successful promotion charge in the National League and earned himself a longer stay at the club in the process.
Midfielder – Harry Clifton
Very much a fan favourite at Blundell Park, Clifton came through the youth set-up at the club and signed his first professional contract in 2015. The 250-appearance mark is in sight for the 25-year-old, who claimed five gongs at last season’s club Player of the Year Awards. His 200th outing for the club was marked by the former Wales U21 international being handed the captain’s armband as Grimsby beat Burton Albion in the FA Cup.
Striker – Danny Rose
Somewhat of a coup of a signing in the summer, Rose arrived at Blundell Park after featuring heavily in Stevenage’s promotion-winning campaign in League Two last term. A desire to return to the north saw the 29-year-old Barnsley lad make the switch. He came through the ranks at his hometown club before joining Bury. Rose – who has four goals in 14 appearances this term - joined Mansfield Town in 2016 and then on to Northampton Town.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Founded in 1878, Grimsby Town first reached the Football League in 1892 and were promoted to Division One in 1901. Their first encounters with Rovers came during the 1904/05 season with Town winning 2-1 at Blundell Park and 2-0 at the Intake Ground. They did not meet again until April 1923 in Division Three (North). Rovers won 2-1 at home and drew 1-1 away. Of 34 meetings in the Football League, Rovers have won 11 and Grimsby 16.
Last season, Rovers beat Town 3-1 at Blundell Park with George Miller (2) and Harrison Biggins scoring the goals. Grimsby gained revenge at the Eco-Power Stadium, coming from behind to win 2-1 after Aidan Barlow had given Rovers the lead.
TURNED OUT FOR BOTH
Danny Amos spent five seasons with Rovers, making his debut in August 2016. In total, the left-back made 25 senior appearances. He also had a loan spell with National League Hartlepool United in 2019 and won six caps for Northern Ireland U21s.
Amos left Rovers in June 2021 and after a brief spell with Port Vale, he joined Grimsby in 2022, helping them to promotion back to the Football League. At the time of writing, he had made 60 senior appearances, scoring one goal.
Contributors: John Coyle and Gavin Hepworth
*****
Can't join us for the next game? Keep up with the action with iFollow Rovers
