Silkmen to keep Mariners grim
Macclesfield v Grimsby
Macclesfield and Grimsby will square off in the only League Two fixture this weekend giving both the chance to ease their relegation fears.
The third-tier strugglers were knocked out of the FA Cup in the first round, so while many of their divisional counterparts will be trying to extend their knockout competition stay, the Silkmen and the Mariners will have their minds on accruing vital league points.
Keith Alexander’s men are in a less precarious position than their visitors but will have been disappointed to see their four-match unbeaten streak in the league ended last weekend at the hands of table-toppers Bournemouth.
Shaun Brisley’s opener was wiped out by a brace from in-form Cherries striker Brett Pitman as Town slipped to a 2-1 defeat, the third time in as many home games that they have relinquished a lead.
The Cheshire outfit – who are six points above their weekend opponents - surrendered two-goal advantages to draw with Dagenham and Redbridge and Bradford, and following Saturday’s loss, have not won at Moss Rose since September.
Town did not get the chance to respond away from home on Tuesday after their clash at Accrington Stanley was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch but will fully expect to be victorious against the terribly out-of-form Mariners.
Grimsby did play in midweek but probably wish they did not after they slipped to a 3-0 home defeat to Bradford in Neil Woods’ first match in permanent control.
The 43-year-old was appointed on Monday but quickly saw his joy turn to despair as his new charges succumbed to a sixth home reverse in nine games to remain three points from safety.
Things look bleak for the Mariners considering they have not scored in three and last won in the league over two months ago and Woods admit he is planning a major renovation of the football infrastructure at Blundell Park, ranging from reforming his coaching staff to altering training procedures.
Any changes may come too soon for an impact this weekend, though, as with Macclesfield itching for a home victory, it is the hosts who should be triumphant.
Verdict: Macclesfield 3-1 Grimsby