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MATCH PREVIEW: Grimsby Town v Aldershot Town (A)

WHO ARE THE SHOTS PLAYING?

Grimsby Town, The Mariners, founded in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham

 

WHERE IS THE MATCH BEING PLAYED?

At Blundell Park, Cleethorpes, DN35 7PY. (Capacity 9,052)

 

HOW DID THEY DO LAST SEASON?

The Mariners were relegated from the Football League last season, after finishing 24th of 24 teams.

 

HOW DID SHOTS GET ON AGAINST THEM LAST SEASON?

Until the game at the EBB Stadium earlier this season, which the Shots won 2-1, to end a run of 10 consecutive home defeats, the two sides had not met competitively since April 2016, when Grimsby Town were last playing National League football. That game was an absolute cracker, with the Mariners winning by the odd goal in seven! They also won the game at Blundell Park, 4-1.

 

WHO’S THEIR GAFFER?:Paul Hurst, who is in his second spell as Grimsby Town manager, having guided the Mariners to promotion from the National League previously, back in 2016. A Left-Back in his playing days, Hurst was a one club man, making 438 appearances for Grimsby over 15 years. He began his management career with Ilkeston Town and then Boston United, prior to his first spell at Blundell Park. Having led the Mariners back to the EFL, Hurst moved on himself, to manage first Shrewsbury Town and then Ipswich Town. Following a brief spell at Scunthorpe United, Hurst returned to Blundell Park.

 

GRIMSBY’S PLAYING SQUAD:

Just 9 players now remain contracted at the club that were at Blundell Park last season, including; Goalkeeper James McKeown, Centre-Back Luke Waterfall, Midfielders Sean Scannell & Harry Clifton and forward Lenell John-Lewis. Hurst has freshened up his Mariners playing squad with an astonishing 25 new faces this season to date, although not all remain at the club. New signings this season include; Keeper Max Crocombe, Right Back Michee Efete from Wealdstone, Left-Back Adam Crookes (Port Vale), Centre-Backs Shaun Pearson (Wrexham) & David Longe-King (now on loan at Woking), Winger Will Bapaga (season long loan from Coventry) and Strikers John McAtee (Scunthorpe United) & Ryan Taylor (Newport County). McAtee is the Mariners top scorer this season to date, with 8 goals, whilst Taylor has 7 himself. Since the Mari ners last played the Shots, they have strengthened their ranks with the likes of Winger Jordan Maguire-Drew (Woking), Midfielder Scott Burgess (Port Vale), Centre-Back Andy Smith (Youth loan from Hull City) and Arjan Raikhy, who arrives on loan from Aston Villa, having previously been on loan at Stockport County earlier this season.

 

ANY EX-SHOTS?

Yes. Winger Joel Grant played 30 matches for Aldershot Town in 2007-08, scoring 4 goals, before moving to Crewe Alexandra for a club record fee of £130,000. He has since gone on to make more than 350 career appearances.

 

WHO’S GOT THE WHISTLE?

Saturday’s referee is Matthew Dicicco. This season, to date, he has taken charge of 8 National League matches, showing 29 Yellow Cards and 0 Red Cards. He has not refereed Aldershot Town this season, but did take the middle in Grimsby’s match at home to Weymouth in August (1-0).

 

WHERE TO FOLLOW THE MATCH:

If you are not going to Blundell Park, there will be ‘Live’ BBC Radio Surrey Sport Online commentary of the match with Rob Worrall and Guest Summariser, respected Aldershot Town supporter, Alan Baldwin. There will also be Social Media coverage on Instagram & Twitter (@OfficialShots) with team news, updates and post-match coverage throughout the afternoon.