After three consecutive away fixtures, we return to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium to face Grimsby Town on Saturday 24 February.
Morecambe will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways at the first time of asking when they host Grimsby Town in a Sky Bet League Two clash.
Prior to their midweek fixture, the Shrimps were unbeaten in four following wins against Crawley Town, Sutton United and Tranmere Rovers, and a point at AFC Wimbledon. This run came to an end on Tuesday 20 February, when they headed to the West Midlands for their twice rearranged fixture against Walsall. The home side finished 3-0 victors on the night, following goals from Ross Tierney, Jamille Matt, and Emmanuel Adegboyega.
Grimsby did not play midweek, with their last fixture coming on Saturday 17 February. The Mariners hosted Doncaster Rovers at Blundell Park; in a match the home crowd will be hoping to forget sooner rather than later. The Rovers fired five past the hosts, with a Danny Rose penalty in the first half proving little more than a consolation for Grimsby Town.
Saturday’s two sides last met in November, when the Shrimps made the journey east to Lincolnshire. An early Adam Mayor goal meant Morecambe went into the half-time break 1-0 up, but not long after the break, three goals in 11 minutes established a strong lead for Grimsby Town. JJ McKiernan’s 86th minute goal was not enough for the Shrimps, and the scoreline finished 3-2 to the hosts.
The Opposition
The Mariners have had a difficult start to their Sky Bet League Two campaign, six wins and 11 draws leave the Mariners with 29 points, six points clear of the drop zone. Dave Artell’s side are yet to win in 2024 and will be looking to get points on the board as quickly as possible to secure their league safety.
Artell has been in charge at the Blundell Park since the end of November 2023, having previously managed at Crewe Alexandra. As a player, Artell spent a three-year spell at Morecambe, making over 125 appearances for the Shrimps. He also made international appearances for the Gibraltar national team.
Key Players
Experienced centre-forward Danny Rose leads the goalscoring charts for the Mariners, having bagged 13 goals in his 32 appearances in all competitions this season. Rose, who scored against the Shrimps in the reverse fixture at Blundell Park, joined Grimsby Town in the summer.
Abo Eisa has also been a dangerous asset for Artell’s side so far in their campaign. The 28-year-old winger has scored nine goals in his 28 League Two appearances so far this season, with an additional three assists.
Ged Brannan’s Pre-Match Thoughts
Morecambe manager Ged Brannan gave his thoughts on the challenge ahead when Grimsby Town are the visitors at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium. He said:
“I’ve watched them play and they’re not a bad team at all. It is going to be another tough game for us at home.”
“We want to keep winning games here, if we’re going to do anything this year we have to win our home games. I’ve told the lads today and we’re going to go into Saturday’s game full of confidence.”
“We’ve had a great month, and if we win on Saturday, it will have been a fantastic month. We want to try and look forward and finish as high as we can.”
The Man in the Middle
Will Finnie will be the referee in charge at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium on Saturday, officiating his 31st fixture of the season. Finnie is no stranger to the brandishing of a card or two, with the official giving out 104 yellows and seven reds in his previous 30 fixtures.
One of these dismissals came at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium when the Shrimps hosted Salford, Morecambe ultimately winning 1-0 on this afternoon.
Kevin Mulraine and Bradley Hall will run the line on Saturday, with fourth official Garreth Rhodes completing the team of officials.
Team News
Long-term absentees Brandon Barker, Stu Moore, JJ McKiernan, and Donald Love will remain sidelined for the Shrimps.
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