Artell will have to ring the changes v Newport
GRIMSBY Town will have some enforced changes to make to the starting line-up for today’s home clash with Newport County due to injuries and suspensions.
Jake Eastwood will take the gloves for Town and likely the rest of the season, with Harvey Cartwright expected to have played his last game after suffering a quad issue in Monday’s draw with Bradford City. The former came in during that game for his first appearance since October and did a decent job, almost keeping a clean sheet for the team if not for the late penalty. Rumours began to circulate online that Eastwood was also injured this week, meaning the club would be permitted to sign an emergency loan.
However, while assistant coach Shaun Pearson did confirm that Eastwood had an issue, it seems to be minor enough for a goalkeeper that he will still be able to play. While Town still have a first-team goalkeeper available, they cannot make an emergency loan. Pearson seemed to suggest Cartwright’s injury was serious enough that the team would have to go through the last six games with just one senior goalkeeper. However, one person’s misfortune is another’s opportunity, and Eastwood will relish the opportunity to prove his worth to David Artell after being dropped as number one before the current head coach arrived at the club.
In other team news, Denver Hume will serve a one-match ban today, due to his sending-off against Bradford, which was a by-product of conceding the penalty and denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
It is up in the air regarding who will replace Hume as the other outand-out option at left-back Anthony Glennon has not played or even featured in a matchday squad since January.
Glennon has been back training recently, but Pearson reported that the 24-year-old has missed a few sessions recently, which may rule him out of starting at least. Liam Smith came back on the right side for the injured Harry Clifton, who is “touch and go”, with the Scotsman also capable of playing on the left of the defence if need be
Hume’s absence could result in a shape change back to a four in defence, with Toby Mullarkey moving to right-back and Smith to left-back if neither Glennon nor Clifton can start the game. Kieran Green and Arthur Gnahoua are others who will be assessed late to see whether they can play against Newport and how big a role they might have, with Town seemingly having a few issues to contend with heading into another crucial game. .
Each of the last six matches until the end of the season has taken on added importance due to the Mariners’ current situation, and Artell will hope to have as strong a squad as possible to tackle these last few weeks.