Moors will look to bounce back to winning ways when they host Grimsby Town in the Vanarama National League tonight.
Neal Ardley‘s side lost 0-2 to Chesterfield last weekend in a game where they went down to 10 men in the 27th minute. Both goals came after the red card was shown to Kyle Storer by the referee.
Grimsby will not be an easy match-up as the Mariners currently sit third in the league. Moors are eighth with the same amount of points as Dagenham & Redbridge, who occupy the last play-off spot at the moment.
What‘s better than a football game under the lights? Your support – as always - is so important.
Purchase tickets HERE
And Moors will be looking to provide the entertainment off the pitch as well as on it. All the key details on tonight‘s Food & Music Festival can be found HERE
Kick-off: 7:45 pm
Here is your full match preview...
Opposition form
Played: 16
Wins: 10
Draws: 4
Losses: 2
Last three matches
Grimsby Town 1 – 0 Southend United
Aldershot Town 2 – 1 Grimsby Town
Kidderminster Harriers 1 – 0 Grimsby Town
In the oppsite dugout – Paul Hurst
The man in charge for The Mariners spent almost his whole playing career as a defender for Rotherham United. He played 17 matches on loan with Burton Albion as his career was approaching the end, but otherwise only played for Rotherham and appeared in more than 400 games for the club.
In 2008, after he hung up his football boots, Hurst turned to management. He and Robb Scott played together at Rotherham and they took their first steps in management together; first with Ilkeston Town.
They led Ilkeston to promotion to the National League North and then decided to take charge of Boston United. Once again they won promotion as they took The Pilgrims to the National League North in 2010. The following year, they were approached by Grimsby Town and decided to take that opportunity.
They were in charge together until 2013; Scott left and Hurst was sole manager for the first time in his career. With Hurst in charge, Grimsby managed to clinch promotion to League Two in 2016 after a six-year absence from the Football League.
In October 2016, Hurst left Grimsby and was appointed manager of Shrewsbury Town in League One. He steered the club clear of relegation. He then managed Ipswich Town and Scunthorpe United before returning to Grimsby in December last year.
The goal is the same as before, getting Grimsby back to the Football League.
One to watch – John McAtee
A forward with real quality. McAtee has been one of the key performers in the Grimsby Town team this season.
He began his career with Shrewsbury Town where he made his first-team competitive debut in a 2-0 loss against Oxford United on the final day of the season in 2016/17.
McAtee spent time on loan with Halesowen Town, Telford United, Ashton United and Curzon Ashton before signing for Scunthorpe in 2019 on a permanent deal.
He spent two seasons at Glanford Park and then chose to sign for Grimsby last summer, reuniting him with manager Paul Hurst for the third time.
After signing him last summer, Hurst said: "I’m really excited by the signing. I think that once the fans get to see him in action they will understand why. He has got real ability, brings a goal threat and he’s an excellent finisher.“
He has shown his quality this season and has scored six goals in 14 league games. He‘s not only a goalscorer but a fantastic creator as well.
McAtee has been struggling with injury but returned to the squad and came off the bench in Friday‘s win over Southend.
Previous meetings
These two sides have met two times before, with both games coming in the FA Trophy in 2015. Grimsby ultimately went through with a 2-3 win away from home.
Colours
Moors will be in yellow and blue this evening, with the goalkeeper in all red.
Match officials
Scott Simpson is the man in the middle on Saturday. Simpson will be assisted by William Davis and Tom Bowkett, with Harry Warner on fourth official duty.
How to follow the game
Radio: https://www.switchradio.co.uk
Twitter updates: @SolihullMoors
