Grimsby v Torquay United – Saturday 13th September 2014

[Colorado Gull]

Three wins in a row, nine points in three games, from 14th to 5th, it is looking very good at the moment at Torquay United. Another dominant performance against Chester, where we won 2-0 and we’re now looking for our fourth win in a row. The home side for Saturday’s game are 11th with 12 points and a +12 goal difference, helped by a 6-1 win over Gateshead and a 7-0 win over Alfreton. Grimsby lost 3-2 to their local rivals Lincoln City on Tuesday, so they’ll be looking to come back with a home win. This will be a difficult game for the Gulls, but with the confidence we have and by the style of our play we have all seen in the last three games, it’s definitely a game we can win.

Here is the side that lined up against Lincoln on Tuesday:

01 McKeown
05 Pearson (Doig - 57' )
22 Nsiala
06 Magnay
02 Bignot Booked
08 Disley
16 Clay (McLaughlin - 72' )
11 Neilson (Hannah - 90' )
04 Brown
14 John-Lewis
18 Pittman

Substitutes
07 Mackreth
10 Hannah
12 Doig
24 Walker
26 McLaughlin

Blundell Park is the home of Grimsby Town capacity of 9,546, all seated. At one side of the ground is the Findus Stand, which is the tallest stand and is two tiered and covered. The lower tier, which was originally terracing, has only seven rows of seating whilst the upper tier is much larger. However this stand only runs half the length of the pitch, straddling the half way line. Running in-between the two tiers is a row of executive boxes. Opposite is the old Main Stand, which is small covered all seated stand and has a large number of supporting pillars running across the front of it. Part of this stand dates back to 1901. This possibly makes it one of the oldest surviving stands in the country. Both ends are small covered affairs. The Pontoon Stand is the traditional home end, whilst the away fans are housed in the Osmond Stand opposite. The corner between this stand and the Main Stand is also filled, as the stands are joined at this point, though this is unused for supporters.

From the Ground Guide; away fans are located in one corner of the Osmond Stand, at one end of the ground, where just under 600 supporters can be accommodated. For teams with a larger following then the whole of the stand can be given to away fans increasing the allocation to 2,200. One downside of this stand is that there are a number of supporting pillars which could impede your view of the game. Blundell Park is a rather small ground and sometimes gets over criticised by visiting fans. But there is normally always a passionate crowd, which contributes to a good atmosphere. Remember though to wrap up warm as there can be a biting wind coming off the North Sea.

From the Ground Guide; Unfortunately the traditional pub for away fans the Leaking Boot pub has now been demolished. This means that there is not much choice for a pint for away supporters close to Blundell Park. However inside the ground, away fans are treated to their own bar called Scotties. It is a fair size, has seating plus shows Sky Sports television. This is being run by the Mariners Trust, a supporters organisation with has the aim of raising money for the Club. They are asking for any donations of away club memorabilia (scarves, shirts, pennants etc...) to make it a true football bar. So if you have something spare that you can take along then I'm sure it would be appreciated. Please note that entrance to Scotties Bar can only be gained from inside the ground. The Blundell Park Hotel, which if you arrive early serves some good food at reasonable prices (expect to pay around £5 for a good portion of fish and chips). The Rutland Arms is also recommended for both home and away fans to mingle and also allows in children, however this is some distance from the ground. (it is about half a mile before Blundell park, turn left at Ramsdens superstore and left again, and you'll see the pub at the opposite end of their car park. If in coaches, then from where you will be parked, head back the way you came, along the sea wall for 5 minutes and you'll see the pub). There are also a number of pubs along Cleethorpes sea front but this is around a 20 minute away. The Imperial pub by the ground is not recommended for away fans. The Fish & Chips in Cleethorpes are legendary and there are some good outlets located near to the ground. Mariners (previously called) Josh's fish and chip shop near to the closed Leaking Boot pub comes recommended. There is also a McDonalds situated right by Blundell Park.

From the Ground Guide; First thing to remember is that the ground is not actually in Grimsby, but the neighbouring town of Cleethorpes. The ground is on the A180 which runs between Grimsby & Cleethorpes. Cleethorpes is well signposted from Grimsby town centre. At the end of the M180 continue along the A180 towards Grimsby. After around 14 miles you will nearGrimsby town centre. Continue along the A180 following signs for Cleethorpes. On reaching a McDonalds sign on your left and the Blundell Park Hotel on your right, turn left into Imperial Avenue for the Club entrance. There is no car park at the ground, therefore only street parking. As you drive along the A180 towards the ground, the home end appears first, then after the McDonalds is the away end. From there, continue towards Cleethorpes and try any of the side streets to the left or preferably the right and you should find a parking spot okay.

From the Ground Guide; First thing to remember is that the ground is not actually in Grimsby, but the neighbouring town of Cleethorpes. The ground is on the A180 which runs between Grimsby & Cleethorpes. Cleethorpes is well signposted from Grimsby town centre. At the end of the M180 continue along the A180 towards Grimsby. After around 14 miles you will near Grimsby town centre. Continue along the A180 following signs for Cleethorpes. On reaching a McDonalds sign on your left and the Blundell Park Hotel on your right, turn left into Imperial Avenue for the Club entrance. There is no car park at the ground, therefore only street parking. As you drive along the A180 towards the ground, the home end appears first, then after the McDonalds is the away end. From there, continue towards Cleethorpes and try any of the side streets to the left or preferably the right and you should find a parking spot okay.

From the Ground Guide; Cleethorpes railway station is about a mile from the ground and takes around 15-20 minutes to walk. Exit thestation and turn right; then turn left onto Station Road. At the end of Station Road turn right onto the HighStreet. Follow this road down to the roundabout; where you turn right onto the Grimsby road (A180). Continue straight for approximately half a mile and you will see the floodlights of the ground on your right. Turn right into Neville Street and then left onto Harrington Street; entrance to the Osmond Stand for away fans is on the left.

Away Fans:
Osmond Stand: Adults: £16, Concessions £10, Under 15's £4

As for the Gulls, I presume we will be unchanged. Courtney Cameron will still be out, so Jordan Chappell should keep his place.

Rice

Tonge
MacDonald
Downes
Cruise

Chappell
Young (C)
Richards
Ajala

Ofori-Acheampong
Bowman

Substitutes
Seabright
Pearce
Wakefield
Yeoman
Sullivan

Let’s go Yellow Army. We did a great job on Tuesday, despite their only being a few of us! Support the boys the best we can and hopefully we see another victory!

COYY.

(Sorry it's so short, I don't have a lot of time at the moment).

[lucy6lucy]

Another detailed preview, considering your busy with other things, it's very much appreciated.
As for the result, it is very hard to predict. Heart says 2-0 defeat, but the fact the Hargreaves family will take half the ground up suggests he will have them fired up for this one.

[taxilady]

Thought I'd have to miss this one, working 112 miles away...but that's cancelled!!!! So I'll be on the Supporters Coach after all COYYs !!!!!

[AlexGulls]

Heading up to this one on the supporters bus as well changed my mind after Tuesdays result. Think this is our toughest test since Gateshead on the first day would be happy with a draw.

[Trojan 67]

Hopefully we can go to Findus the Fisherman stadium and inflict a serious GBH wounding on Grimsby that will "inspire" Poojah to deliver another classic rant.

[Maxiboy1]

This game and surprisingly next Tuesday will possibly give us a clearer indication as to how good a team we are. My expectations have risen due to the recent performances but these were against bottom 8 teams and 10 man Lincoln. I will be delighted if we drive out of Grimsby with a point.

[Gullscorer]

I'll put my money on three points for the Gulls..

[A Realist]

I'll put my money on three points for the Gulls..

Good odds as well. On Sky its 13/5 for the win.

[yellowmonkey]

What has happened to Thompson and why wont Jesus play him?

[Colorado Gull]

I hopefully will be going to this one! I'll find out tomorrow, fingers crossed.

[ferrarilover]

What has happened to Thompson and why wont Jesus play him?

Because he's not anywhere near as good as Chaps and not even playing the same game as Cameron.

Matt.

[hector]

Because he's not anywhere near as good as Chaps and not even playing the same game as Cameron.

Matt.

...plus the team is unbeaten in 7 games, won the last 3 in style - why would the manager change anything to accommodate a player who has yet to convince?

[Colorado Gull]

What has happened to Thompson and why wont Jesus play him?

Echo Hector's and Matt's argument. However, there's no harm putting him on the bench as another option. He'd be more effective than Danny Sullivan, in my opinion.

[Behind-the-Gulls]

Match doesn't even get a mention in today's WMN-extensive coverage of the Greeks,Gargs,Yeovil,Chiefs' and Plymouth Albion though.

[lesgtfc]

Looks like it could be a bit of a scratch side for us tomorrow, with several walking wounded after the "bruising" encounter with Lincoln. There could even be a couple of loan signings in.

Safe journey to all Gulls traveling tomorrow, any idea on the numbers you're expecting to bring up.

http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/New-f ... story.html

It's a game your gaffer is looking forward to as well.

http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Torqu ... story.html