Match Preview | Grimsby Town (H)

After a successful trip to North London mid-week, Newport will turn their attention back to the league, hoping to return to winning ways against Grimsby Town.

Graham Coughlan named a strong side for our trip to Barnet and will have some selection decisions ahead of Saturday’s encounter. Will Evans failed a late fitness test on Tuesday and is likely to be assessed ahead of Saturday’s game. 

Scot Bennett returned to the side against Barnet and played a key role in some of our goals. He will be looking to hold down his place in the team. Harry Charsley continued his return to the side on Tuesday and will hope for more minutes at Rodney Parade at the weekend.

Manager’s Comments 

Graham Coughlan shared his thought's in his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash, stating he is expecting a 'tough' encounter with the Mariners: "I know Dave [David Artell] well," Coughlan began.

"I am delighted he got back into management, but as far as tomorrow afternoon is concerned, it's football, it's down to business, we go to war between 3pm and 5pm."

In terms of the football aspect Coughlan expects 'possesion based' football from the visitors: "They've [Grimsby] been doing really well since the new manager came in.

"They had two positive results against Crewe and MK Dons as well. He's altered the playing style and system a little bit, so it'll be an interesting battle between the two sides."

You can watch the full pre-match press conference by clicking HERE.

Opposition Form 

Grimsby have had a slow first half of the season in League Two this year. The Mariners find themselves in 19th place in the league, but they arrive at Rodney Parade on one of their best runs of the year. 

They are unbeaten in their last five league games, drawing three and winning two, including their most recent outing against promotion-chasing Crewe. 

While their form has turned around since the departure of Paul Hurst, they have still struggled to pick up points away from home. They have failed to win any of their ten games away from home this season, drawing five and losing five. 

New manager David Artell has been quick to make his impact on the team. Alex Hunt was handed a first league start for the team against Crewe last weekend and impressed, while goalscorer Abo Eisa will look to cement his position in the starting XI after a committed performance. 

Rekeil Pyke, who had netted five goals in six games for the Mariners, was absent from last week’s line-up, but there has been no update on whether he will be available for Saturday. Experienced striker Danny Rose is likely to lead the line after scoring against Crewe. 

Ticket Info 

You can find ticket information for tomorrow's encounter here:

You can secure your ticket by clicking HERE.

Last Time Out 

Our last game against Grimsby Town took place in March this year. It was a frosty afternoon at Blundell Park, but the fans were treated to an entertaining game. John McAtee had the home crowd on its feet in the 36th minute. The forward, now plying his trade on loan at League One Barnsley, struck a spectacular lopping half-volley from outside the area over Joe Day to give the hosts the lead. 

We would come aware with our share of the spoils thanks to a Priestley Farquharson effort in the 56th minute. Farquharson met a corner from Adam Lewis to get the ball past Max Crocombe in the Grimsby goal, ensuring the points were shared in Cleethorpes.

Head to Head 

Excluding non-league clashes, we have played Grimsby Town 34 times since our first encounter all the way back in 1921. Grimsby have secured wins in fifteen of these games, while we have won twelve and seven have ended in a draw. Our recent record with the Mariners has seen us win three of the last six, draw one, and lose two. 

Played for Both 

There are several notable players who have been a part of the Rodney Parade and Blundell Park dressing rooms over the years. One man who will be lining up against his former side for the first time at the weekend is Bryn Morris. Before putting pen to paper in South Wales, Morris played 31 times for Grimsby in the 2022/23 season, helping the club reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1939. 

Of course, Omar Bogle is seen as somewhat as a legend in Grimsby. He was instrumental in helping them return to the Football League, scoring 13 goals in 41 games in the 2015-16 season, including two in two minutes at Wembley in the play off final. 

One of the best players to have lined up for both teams is Padraig Amond. Amond played for Grimsby in the 2015–2016 season, hitting the net an excellent 30 times in 40 games and helping the club return to the Football League before joining Hartlepool. He would arrive at Rodney Parade in 2017, making 161 appearances over five seasons, scoring 41 times. 

A player who would break Grimsby's hearts while at Newport before going on to play for them was Christian Jolley. Jolley spent three seasons at Rodney Parade, scoring a crucial goal in our play-off win over Grimsby in the 2012/13 season. He would then sign for Grimsby at the start of the 2014–15 season.