Barnet v Grimsby Team News

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 02/01/2009

GRIMSBY head to Barnet's Underhill, a ground they have a 100% record at, needing to win to make up ground on the side directly above them. The North Londoners have sacked Paul Fairclough, and the game with Town will be the first match for new boss Ian Hendon.

Barnet are five points clear of Grimsby thanks to Sunday's welcome 2-0 win at Bournemouth (ironically Fairclough's last game in charge) following 13 matches without a win.

The two clubs below Town Bournemouth (who this week also sacked their manager) and Luton both have away games at Darlington and Chester respectively so if Town so beat Barnet it could be an opportunity to gain ground on the sides around them, although of course all of the sides concerned will be thinking that.

Town have no new injury worries (full backs Tom Newey and Robbie Stockdale being the only absentees), but they are hoping to be able to make their first new signing of 2009 in time to be able to play.

Barnet have Michael Leary back in contention for a place in midfield after he missed the match at Bournemouth. Neal Bishop is also available after missing the last two games with a hairline fracture to his cheek. However, Joe Devera is still out.

Striker Paul Furlong and winger Tommy Black have both signed in January from Southend. Furlong, 40, was once a top striker with Chelsea. Black joined Southend from Place, but was released in the summer.

Barnet played a 4-5-1 formation in their win at Bournemouth so Hendon may be tempted to change at least the formation if not the personnel for his first game in charge to give Barnet a more attacking outlook.

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