Grimsby Town

E-mail Article Print this story

Related Links

• Teams
• Grimsby Town
• Southport

Southport v Grimsby

Liam Watson's Southport play host to Grimsby Town at Haig Avenue on Friday night as they look to consolidate their place in the play-off zone.

The Sandgrounders have recorded back-to-back league victories and currently occupy fourth place, while the Mariners find themselves three points adrift in seventh following a 2-0 victory over AFC Telford.

Watson can call on Alan Moogan after the South skipper completed a four-match suspension, while left-back Chris Lever also returns to contention after recovering from injury.

Striker Tony Gray is expected to shrug off the minor groin injury sustained in midweek to retain his place in the starting line-up.

However, defender Earl Davis remains on the treatment table.

Grimsby joint managers Rob Scott and Paul Hurst have the luxury of a fully-fit squad to choose from for Friday's crunch clash.

New signing Louie Soares is available to make his debut after joining the Mariners from fellow Blue Square Bet Premier outfit Hayes & Yeading United on transfer deadline day.

Scott says his charges are raring to go as the recent cold snap saw a number of Grimsby's fixtures fall foul of the weather.

He told Grimsby Telegraph: "I have played there before and it's a tidy little ground.

"They have done very well so far this season. They got a last-minute reprieve last season and have gone on to capitalise this year.

"They have had a game and you could look at it and say we will be more rested.

"I don't think it really matters. Every club has had disruption with the weather with regards training and games off.

"The players have had a good workout after the game was called off at the weekend.

"It wasn't a case of having to give them a push either, they all came in and wanted to work hard.

"I think they are at the point where they are chomping at the bit to get going again.

"It's going to be a pivotal time for us; particularly in March with games coming Saturday and Tuesday throughout the month, and that's not including the Trophy if we get through again.

"But we have a full squad to choose from and are just desperate for a game now."