No let up from scintillating Shrimps
Grimsby v Morecambe
Shot-shy strugglers Grimsby will be looking to close in on their relegation-threatened allies this Friday but face a daunting task against on-fire Morecambe.
The Mariners – three points from safety and winless since September – have found the net only once in their previous six outings following last weekend’s dour goalless draw at Shrewsbury.
Nevertheless, it is not all doom and gloom at Blundell Park as with six draws from seven, Town have at least ended the losing culture that frequented the club earlier on this term and manager Neil Woods insists that an elusive win is beckoning.
And if that triumph comes in this fixture and 22nd-placed Lincoln are soundly beaten at Hereford, the Humberside outfit could leap out of the drop zone for the first time since Woods took charge of first-team affairs back in October.
The ex-Grimsby midfielder has had a productive week after extending the loan spells of Barnsley midfielder Michael Coulson, Plymouth winger Damien McCrory and Southampton defender Olly Lancashire into January, though the latter is unlikely to play on Friday after injuring his hamstring against Shrewsbury.
Full-back Robbie Stockdale’s slow recovery from a hernia operation should keep him out until the New Year but colleagues Nathan Jarman and Joe Widdowson may figure after shaking off impairment.
Visitors Morecambe came from two down to win at Blundell Park in February but in the midst of their exceptional current form will be aiming for a far more handsome victory this time around.
Saturday’s 5-0 walloping of second-placed Bournemouth – the Shrimps’ biggest-ever football league win – was Sammy McIlroy’s men seventh league success on the trot and lifted them into the play-off places, a far cry from earlier in the campaign when the Lancastrians won just one of their opening 14 games.
Former Grimsby striker Phil Jevons netted for the seventh time in eight matches and while he is hoping for a positive reception on his return to Blundell Park, the 30-year-old is desperate to sustain his free-scoring exploits.
And whether Jevons is on target or not, Morecambe should keep up their blistering form and record another convincing win.
Verdict: Grimsby 0-3 Morecambe