Grimsby

[LordK]

Few years since I visited Cleethorps (no pun intended) and watched us get thumped in the Cup. In Hospitality choice was obviously fish, however my local friend asked for ours to receive a light batter, which was less than the major battering we received that day.
Will we see Mr Long?, hope so as we appear to be doing a 23-24 season copy of no goals or Nevitt bagging in extra time. Whilst we appear to be getting a bevy of midfielders available it's the lack of goals up front a concern. I obviously watched a different game at Wrexham in the renamed cup (strange to name change mid competition). I thought we were average, but Wrexham were only slightly better.
I would be happy on Saturday at 2-2 ( then at least we have scored). Thoughts?

[gazan]

We could do with beating Artell's team for a number of reasons: we could do with an away win; Artell, and more long term, Grimsby seem to have a hex over us, we need to dump the December jinx; we don't want to get into a rut like last year.
Now some news on Mr Long would be welcome. I fully expected him to appear against Wrexham but....so is he injured again? Need also to know about Bogle. Will Powell make a start?
Actually Powell + the strikers returning (?) may just be what is needed to pump up the team again. I'm afraid that the last couple of games have reverted to that low intensity/lethargic level again. Perhaps Powell can unlock a few xG for the forwards to finish off.
On a final note, I wish Thibaut would be considered in addition to Bogle and not an alternative. They are very different players and I think AT needs a big holder of the ball in front of him to play off.

[gazan]

Prediction is personnel dependent. With no returnees =0-1 loss. With returnees a 2-1 win.

[gazan]

No Long! What's going on!! Has broken a finger nail or something. Getting ridiculous now!
No Bogle either! No Thibaut on the bench.
How are going to score. Can't believe it!
Ah well! 1sr defeat in 11!

[frogpole]

Boo, hopeless again. Never going to score with that team. Bring back Artell, before we end up non-league ...

[gazan]

I get the sarcasm! But just a little over the top/misplaced.🙂
Nice to be wrong! The goals came the only way they could, through quick breakaways. Excellent ball from Sanders over the top. As for the second, I thought for the briefest of seconds that the return ball to Tabiner was placed a little too behind him but Tabs took advantage by lifting it towards the goalies right.
Overall, the Alex were never in danger of losing or even drawing.

[MeForCrewe]

Well that took me by surprise. We were in total control of that game which really augurs well for the future. They were really disappointing and I will search for Artell's post match interview in a minute to hear what he thought.
Long I have no words for and not even in hindsight it was always a bad idea to give him another contract. I go back to what I said a few weeks ago, please can we push the boat out in January for a reliable striker. The only big concern from today was Mickey limping about the field after one of his full blooded tackles and Lankaster picking up a knock and probably stayed on the field alot longer than he should have done. Fingers crossed.

[frogpole]

I get the sarcasm! But just a little over the top/misplaced.🙂

No offence intended, but we have a really good team at the moment, with a chance of promotion. On our day we are as good as any of the other sides at the top of the table.

Agree with you about the quality of the goals today, quick breakaways will do nicely thanks.

I share your concerns about some players spending more time than 'normal' in the 'Chris Long' Treatment Room - but do not know the reasons why this is so.

[Timmy58]

No Long! What's going on!! Has broken a finger nail or something. Getting ridiculous now!
No Bogle either! No Thibaut on the bench.
How are going to score. Can't believe it!
Ah well! 1sr defeat in 11!

Bogle has a groin issue by all accounts. And Chris Long's child is in hospital I am reliably informed. Where we are now with this squad of players is a reflection on the management team and the squad of players, and I mean all players, being more together, if that were possible, than last seasons squad. So when the likes of Thomas, Powell, Long, Bogle etc are back we will be even more of a force to reckon with.

[frogpole]

Bogle has a groin issue by all accounts. And Chris Long's child is in hospital I am reliably informed. Where we are now with this squad of players is a reflection on the management team and the squad of players, and I mean all players, being more together, if that were possible, than last seasons squad. So when the likes of Thomas, Powell, Long, Bogle etc are back we will be even more of a force to reckon with.

Cheers for the updates on the injury front, that explains things somewhat...

Agree with you regarding how tightly-knit this squad of players is.

We also have a really good Under-18 team (again), with Vaughan'y at the helm.