Tomorrow afternoon sees Town return to Blundell Park for the first time in three weeks with Crawley Town the visitors for our ninth Sky Bet League Two match of the season.
Since hosting Gillingham over the first weekend of September, Paul Hurst’s Mariners have picked up a point away at Bradford City before falling to a 3-0 defeat at the much-fancied Wrexham last Saturday.
Our return to Blundell Park this weekend coincides with the celebrations of our 145th anniversary, an occasion that will be made all the more special with another three points at home.
Team News
After seeing summer signings Abo Eisa and Danny Rose ruled out of last weekend’s defeat the day before the match, Hurst confirmed that one of the two could return but was keeping his cards close to his chest when speaking to the media.
While one is a potential inclusion in the matchday squad, he did reveal that the other wouldn’t be available for consideration but shared that he doesn’t expect it to be a long absence.
Hurst also spoke of Donovan Wilson, suggesting that he is nearing a return to action in the coming weeks having missed all of the season so far after picking up a pre-season injury.
Otis Khan made his return to action as a half-time substitute in Wales last Saturday and showed glimpses of his quality from the left flank.
Callum Ainley made his Town debut in the same match and will be looking, like Khan, to force his way into the starting XI over the coming weeks.
Crawley Town
One of the favourites for relegation prior to the big kick-off in August, Crawley have made the bookmakers look silly thus far with a strong opening period of the season seeing them sit in sixth position with four wins and two draws to their name so far.
They come into this match with a three-game unbeaten run to their name as victories over Tranmere Rovers and Newport County came after a 3-3 draw away to Stockport.
Danilo Orsi, something of a fans’ favourite during his season with the Mariners last term, scored their third goal in that match and has seen himself start each of their league matches this campaign.
The 27-year-old has two goals to his name this season with Nick Tsaroulla and Adam Campbell both having scored one more.
The Red Devils are managed by Scott Lindsey. He took the helm in January this year after leaving then eighth-placed Swindon Town for the Sussex club. After steering them clear of relegation last season, he has seen his team reach the Play-Off spots in the fourth tier in the early part of this.
Previous Meetings
The two sides have faced each other twelve times in the past, all of which have come in the last seven years and all of which have taken place in League Two.
Last season’s fixtures saw the Mariners pick up four points with a 3-0 victory at Blundell Park coming in October before we picked up a point on the road after a late Dom Telford penalty cancelled out Harry Clifton’s opener in a 1-1 draw in March.
Referee
Simon Mather will be the man in charge of Saturday’s match, his first Mariners game since our abandoned encounter against Carlisle United last season.
Simon Clayton and Stephen Wade will assist him.
Coverage
Viewers overseas will be able to watch Town take on Crawley Town live on Mariners TV for just £10 and match passes are available now HERE.
Mariners TV audio subscribers will also be able to listen live.
UTM
