By Grimsby missing key players for heavyweight clash
Grimsby Town could be missing up to five key players for Saturday’s game against Chesterfield as suspensions and injuries hit the squad.
John McAtee’s straight red card in last week’s 3-2 defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge capped off a difficult day and means he misses the next three games.
On-loan midfielder Alex Hunt also misses out through suspension, after picking up five yellow cards this season.
On the injury front, Adam Crookes, Giles Coke and Erico Sousa all have question marks over their availability after picking up knocks.
The lengthy absentee list could mean a return to the first-team for academy prospect Evan Khouri, who has made a handful of appearances this season.
Saturday’s opponents, Chesterfield, were among the pre-season title favourites and are proving the bookies’ right as they currently sit top of the league.
With just one defeat this season, there are fears that they could run away with the title and, crucially, only automatic promotion spot.
Grimsby manager Paul Hurst is afraid of their threat, especially from the start as they tend to score early goals while Town have struggled to start well in recent weeks.
“We’ve got to try and stay in the game,” he told BBC Radio Humberside.
The danger-men for the travelling side are the stand-out Kabongo Tshimanga – who has 17 league goals in as many games this season.
Saidou Khan is a danger from midfield for the Spireites, as well as fomer Aston Villa youngster Jack Clarke.
Going into the game, many fans may be forgiven for being a little pessimistic, however Hurst wants to put those fears to rest.
“From where we were [at the start of the season], there have been improvements.
“At the moment, it’s easy to think [that] everything is wrong but that’s far from it,” he added.
He said that he is happy at the start the Mariners have made, considering that few pundits predicted a promotion push for the side during pre-season.
Grimsby play Chesterfield at Blundell Park on Saturday, with a traditional 3pm kick-off, and a win could see them jump up to second in the table.
