Hanson doubt for huge clash against rivals

JAMES Hanson is a doubt for Grimsby Town’s crucial game against Barrow tomorrow night after missing Saturday’s draw at Mansfield.

The striker’s absence was the only unexpected change among the Mariners for the trip to Field Mill, with the former Bradford man not making the matchday squad at all.

Paul Hurst had revealed ahead of the game he had “one or two” injury concerns after the midweek encounter with Tranmere, and confirmed after the dramatic draw with the Stags that Hanson was struggling with a groin problem. The Town boss though is hopeful that by not taking a risk with him in Nottinghamshire, he might have the 33-year-old back in action sooner rather than later.

“His groin’s sore - I’m not sure whether he’ll be ready for Tuesday or not,” Hurst said.

“I think one thing’s for certain, if he’d have played on Saturday, we wouldn’t have had a proper James Hanson out there, and then he would’ve definitely missed Tuesday, probably Saturday and maybe even longer.

“We’ll see how he is ahead of the Barrow game. We’d obviously like him available to us.” Hanson’s injury means the Mariners’ injury list grows even further - and they could have as many as 11 players out for Tuesday’s crucial trip to Barrow. That number includes on-loan Brentford forward Joe Adams, who is set to go away on international duty with Wales U21s this week, and will also likely miss Saturday’s game against Walsall. Town though will have Rollin Menayese back after the defender missed the draw with Mansfield, with the loanee not eligible to play against his parent club.