Exeter City made it seven League Two matches unbeaten, after beating Swindon Town 2-0 last weekend at St James Park. The Grecians will feel confident about their chances of making it eight when they visit Grimsby on Saturday.
The home side are loitering precariously above the drop zone in 21st, but have won their last two league games, scoring three without reply in the process.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Mariners...
- Founded: 1878
- Stadium: Blundell Park
- Nickname: The Mariners
Adopting black and white stripes, the Mariners were most renowned for success in their early years. Their hay-day coming in the early 20th century with Division Two title wins in 1900/01 and 1933/34.
The Lincolnshire-based side most recent football league success came in 1998 when they won the Division Three play-off final. Grimsby have been in the Football League since 2016 after securing promotion from the Conference via the play-offs.
The Manager
Michael Jolley
After excelling in a coaching capacity and working alongside impressive academies such as Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Burnley, as well as the infamous Crewe Alexandra, Jolley’s first foray into management came in 2017.
A rather unorthodox turn saw him take charge of struggling Swedish side AFC Eskikstuna who were rock bottom with four points from twelve games. Though improving markedly under Jolley, he was unable to prevent their plight as they got relegated from the Allsvenkan.
The 41 year-old novice then received his first taste of the Football League when taking the reigns of Grimsby in March and successfully leading them to safety.
The Ground
- Name: Blundell Park
- Capacity: 9,052
- Year opened: 1899
- Address: Blundell Park, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, DN35 7PY
After leaving Abbey Park in 1898, Grimsby took up residence at Blundelk Park in 1899 an it has remained their home to this day.
The Mariners boast a capacity marginally above 9,000, but peaked at 31,651 when they faced Wolves in an FA Cup tie in 1937.
One to Watch
Alex Whitmore
No one has made more appearances for Grimsby this season than centre back Alex Whitmore, and for good reason. While the Mariners sit in 21st, scoring goals has been the main issue with defence trumping attack.
After coming through the ranks at Burnley, Whitmore made a move to Chesterfield, before joining on loan in January. That loan move was cut short through injury, but the centre back has developed into a mainstay in the side under manager Jolley.
Recent form guide
Grimsby have bounced back to some semblance of form having won their last two league games – 2-0 at home to Port Vale and 1-0 at Carlisle United.
Prior to that Jolley’s men had lost six league games on the bounce and sliding into the relegation zone as a result, with goals proving to be very problematic.
2017/18 season in review
- Position: L2, 18th
- Average attendance: 4,658
- Top scorer: Mitch Rose, 8
After getting off to the perfect start to the season winning 3-1 at Chesterfield, Grimsby soon saw their season derail and tailing off to mid table over the Christmas period.
A failure to win any league games after the turn of the year then saw manager Russell Slade dismissed, before, now current, manager Michael Jolley succeeded where he failed with previous club Eskikstuna in leading the Marines to safety.
Recent Meetings
Grimsby Town 0-1 Exeter City - (24/2/18) League Two
The ever reliable Jayden Stockley providing the game’s only goal after dispatching from the penalty spot in the first half.
The Grecians victory maintained their push for promotion as they moved up to fifth, while Grimsby stuttered once more after losing their previous two games.
Exeter City 2-0 Grimsby Town – (11/11/17) League Two
Goals in either half from Jayden Stockley and Liam McAlinden moved the hosts up to third place and into the automatic places.
The win was fairly comprehensive for Exeter, as the Mariners dropped to 15th place, but astonishingly only four points adrift of Wycombe in 7th and the play-off zone.
Match Tickets
Tickets and Grecian Travel are on sale for the trip to Blundell Park. Ticket prices are £2 cheaper in advance. please click here to find out more.