Newport County AFC travel to Blundell Park to take on Grimsby Town this Tuesday night, off the back of their hard-fought victory last week. Just one place and two points separate the sides in the table, with County looking for their first away win since mid-January.
Here, you can find all the facts and statistics ahead of this League Two matchup...
Grimsby Town in League Two so far
Grimsby Town sit in 16th place in the League Two table, two points behind County, after picking up 41 points from 33 games this season.
Town have had an on and off season so far in League Two, going through spells of good and bad form. August saw them win three from six matches, whereas October through to December saw them winless in eleven.
However, since the introduction of Ian Holloway as manager, things have looked up for the Mariners.
Team News
The injury struggles of County continue with several still out of the squad. Robbie Wilmott could continue to deputise at right wing-back following the full-back injuries.
Grimsby Town have two injury doubts, Harry Davis and Jordan Cook. The pair missed the weekend’s trip to Swindon and it looks as if Tuesday is a bit too soon for them both.
One to Watch – James Hanson
Big man James Hanson has been a handful for defenders for many years. The 6ft 4in striker has eight goals in League Two this season, making him Town’s top scorer.
Hanson started the season like a house on fire, scoring five in the first six matches. A poor patch of form mixed with injury left him without a goal until the end of January.
However, he looks to be heading back to his best, after picking up goals in his last two appearances.
The 32-year-old had a notable spell at fellow League Two side Bradford City. Hanson played 283 times for the Bantams, scoring 77 goals. He also made a Wembley Appearance in the League Cup Final for Bradford against Swansea City.
Manager – Ian Holloway
One of the most well-known managers in the country, Ian Holloway took over at Blundell Park in late December, following the departure of Michael Jolley.
As well as being manager, Holloway is also a share-owner in the club.
Since his arrival, Town have managed to pick up 18 points from a possible 36, marking a decent upturn in form for the side.
Holloway is one of the most notable managers in the football pyramid for his former exploits. Most famously, he was promoted to the Premier League with Blackpool Town and very nearly kept them up.
Last Meeting Between the Sides
This will be the first meeting of the sides in the league this season following cup commitments, however County and Town have crossed paths in 2019/20.
The FA Cup saw the teams drawn against each other in the First Round. The match ended as a draw, meaning a replay was needed at Rodney Parade.
It was County who ended up progressing, after a goal from former Mariner Padraig Amond, and a late strike from Joss Labadie. Mattie Pollock was also sent off for the visitors in the 2-0 win.
Officials
Referee: Sebastian Stockbridge
Assistant Referee 1: Declan Ford
Assistant Referee 2: Christopher Ward
Fourth Official: David Benton
Sebastian Stockbridge is in his seventh season as a Football League referee and has officiated five previous County matches, in which they have won twice.
Most recently, Stockbridge took charge of the FA Cup fixture at Maldon & Tiptree where a late Padraig Amond goal saw the Exiles take a 1-0 win.
So far this season, Stockbridge has refereed 25 matches and shown 79 yellow cards, as well as five red cards.
Last season he officiated 36 games, handing out 108 yellow cards and three red cards
Other League Two fixture that evening (Also 7:45pm kick-off)
Cheltenham Town v Northampton Town
Can’t make the match?
You can follow along on social media using @NCAFCLive on Twitter, or via the Club’s official Facebook, Snapchat (OfficialExiles) and Instagram pages.
As the match is on a Tuesday night, a live showing of this fixture will occur on iFollow Exiles if a Match Pass is purchased. However, commentary by Tim Thraves and Ben Catton can be found at the Match Centre from 6:45pm.
An on-the-whistle match report of this match will be provided on the Club website upon the end of the game. Michael Flynn’s post-match analysis will appear on the evening of the day after the game, while you can watch all of Flynn’s post-match press conference as-well as two County players by subscribing to iFollow Exiles.