Crewe Preview

The Manager

Star Player

Past Positions

Past Meetings

I can't say that any recent meeting with Crewe has been that enthralling to be perfectly honest. After last year's shambolic showing at home, when we lost 3-1, this game has to be better! In previous years, Town have clinched 1-1 draws at Blundell Park with goals courtesy of Lee Nogan (in 1998/99) and Bradley Allen (1999/00). Away from home, Town have generally done the same. Last year, in Lennie Lawrence's first game in charge we went down with a spirited performance, loosing 2-0. The year before that, we drew 1-1, when really, we should have won and the year previous to that, the game ended in a dull 0-0 draw. Now it's about time for a win against these Railway people.

Crewe Head-to-Head

Last Season

Last season was a typical Crewe season. After languishing at the bottom of the table at the turn of the year and looking doomed for the drop, they suddenly sprang into life and rose up the table to finish comfortably in 14th place.

This was aided of course, by their star striker Dean Ashton, who netted 8 goals in the last 13 games. This great run of results was timed perfectly, meaning they were never involved in the last day dog fight at the foot of the table.

Hopes For This Season

Crewe's hopes for the forthcoming season will be similar to the Mariners. Their first priority is safety. But I get the feeling that they might be hoping for more. With six new signings and the emergence of players like Ashton, they could well forget about the "R Word". Indeed, this could well happen, but the Railway men will be happy just to stay up.

Ins/Outs

Visitors Injury List

Dean Ashton, as we have said is out with knee ligament damage, and his strike partner, Canadian born Rob Hulse, is also sidelined. Captain Steve Macauley is another on the treatment table, as is full back David Wright who will be replaced by on loan Alan Navarro.

What Lennie Says

Town boss Lennie Lawrence has today spoken of his excitement for the seasons start, hoping to beat the team that did the double on us last year. "They beat us twice last year, so we will look to reverse that".

The Grimsby manager also said that "one thing that will be certain, it will be a passing game". He went on to add that: "I don't want to do what we did last year, when after five or so games we had to win at all costs". This certainly shows that Lennie will expect no less than three points come 4.45 on Saturday night."

Prediction For Game

Well, after weighing up all the stuff, I think Town should be happy with a point. Especially with a rookie centre half and no Livvo up front. So, I'll go for a 1-1 draw I'm afraid! Town quickly go behind, only to be inspired super sub Johnny Rowan, who comes on to grab the equaliser!

Fishy prediction: 1-1 Honours Even

Directions