SCENE SETTER
John Yems’ Reds are ready for another clash at The People’s Pension Stadium as we take on Ian Holloway’s Grimsby Town who make the long journey down south for tomorrow evening’s Sky Bet League Two clash.
FORM GUIDE
The Reds are currently in twelfth spot in the Sky Bet League Two table, following a 0-3 home defeat to in-form Carlisle United on Saturday, a loss which put our 14 game unbeaten home run in the league to bed.
Recently crowned PFA Bristol Street Motors October Player of the Month, Max Watters, started the game on the bench as Ashley Nadesan partnered Tom Nichols up front, with Jake Hesketh returning to the side following suspension.
In a tightly-contested first half, the deadlock was finally broken 43 minutes in as centre-half, Rhys Bennett, tapped in from short-range after a terrific sequence of saves from Glenn Morris, who also returned to the eleven.
Carlisle were able to push on early in the second half scoring twice through Ireland U21 international, Joshua Kayode, and other centre-half, Aaron Hayden, leaving the Reds 0-3 down minutes after the hour mark.
Crawley failed to create many clear-cut chances as the away side saw the game out and claimed the victory, pushing up to fourth in the league table ahead of their away trip to Tranmere Rovers.
Tomorrow’s opponents, Grimsby, were defeated 5-0 by Tranmere on Saturday, in a game which saw the Mariners four behind at half-time, leaving manager Ian Holloway with a difficult team talk. Grimsby failed to make any sort of comeback and conceded one more late on to complete the defeat and move down to 20th in the league table.
THE HISTORY
Crawley’s home form against the Mariners has been fantastic in recent years, with the Reds winning on all four occasions since 2016, with an average of four goals per game between the sides.
Last time out John Yems’ men came back from a 2-1 half-time deficit to win 3-2 with goals from Ashley Nadesan and Ollie Palmer in the second-half to complete a memorable home performance.
In the away fixture last year, new signing Jake Hessenthaler was the scorer for Grimsby at Blundell Park in a 1-1 draw in December, as the Reds picked up a valuable away point.
THE OPPOSITION
Forward Montel Gibson is likely to start up front for the away side tomorrow, with two league goals to his name so far it has not been the most prolific start for the English striker, however, his pace and agility will be a likely threat tomorrow evening.
League Two veteran Matt Green may also feature tomorrow. The former Mansfield, Lincoln and Salford man has an impressive scoring record in the EFL with fantastic seasons at the Stags earlier on in his career.
TEAM NEWS
Tom McGill, Reece Grego-Cox and David Sesay are unavailable for tomorrow’s game.
HOW THEY BET*
Crawley Town - 11/10
Draw - 12/5
Grimsby - 13/5
COVERAGE
You can purchase a match pass on iFollow Crawley for £10 by clicking here.
