Hartlepool Preview

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 11/09/2003

GRIMSBY head north to Hartlepool on Friday night having once again failed to sign a new striker, but not for want of trying according to Town boss Paul Groves, who revealed that two permanent deals fell through this week. A prospective loan signing, however, still looks on the cards for next week.

The Hartlepool game is the final of a trio of matches where Grimsby are hit by suspensions, with Des Hamilton and Iain Anderson (who is injured anyway) both ruled out through sendings-off earlier in the season.

A John McDermott foot injury today in training, and an improvement of the prospects of right back Jason Crowe (back), could see a return to action for the former Pompey defender (who trained today) in his natural position, at the skipper's expense.

Wales international Darren Barnard also trained today after being called up by Mark Hughes for the internationals against Italy and Finland, and is expected to slot into his left back position, with Mike Edwards returning to the bench.

Darren Mansaram's groin injury did not stop him doing some light training today, but it is still too early for him to be in contention. Alan Pouton (knee) and Stacy Coldicott (leg) are still not yet ready for first-team action either.

Midfielder Graham Hockless is pushing for a first team place after impressing as a second half substitute against Peterborough on Saturday, and could start, with either Groves or Bolder making way.

Hartlepool have no new injury worries but will be without strikers Kevin Henderson and Marcus Richardson, who have been loaned out to Carlisle and Lincoln - a luxury Town boss Paul Groves would love to have! Defender Andrew Jordan and Midfielder Ryan McCann are both fit again after injury problems, and will both be pushing for a first team place.

Pool have won only one of their last five games, but have yet to concede a goal at home in three matches. Town in comparison have conceded at least one goal in every game this season, a statistic which the Fishy predicts will end at Hartlepool!

Fishy Prediction: 0-0 draw

Predicted Town side: Davison, Crowe, Ford, Crane, Barnard, Cas, Groves, Hockless, Campbell, Rowan, Boulding
Subs: McDermott, Edwards, Bolder, Soames, Pettinger (GK)

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