For me this is the biggest game of the season so far. A win and we put ourselves in title picture again but also I think we 'secure' our positions in play offs (not mathematically but clear daylight).
A defeat and the title will be out of reach but also drag us back towards scraping for play off position.
A draw again puts us out of the title IMO.

Let's all get behind the players what has gone has gone the next 90 mins of football is pivotal in our season.

UTM

Well looks like king lenny will be back in the starting 11 , I can't believe he would drop the two strikers scoring goals and on form at the min just to accommodate him..

Telegraph certainly seems to think so.

It's his last ditch effort for your hotdog nightmare.....unfortunately I think you are safe but you must admit it was squeaky-bum time for a while for you! ;)

Quoted from jonnyboy82

Well looks like king lenny will be back in the starting 11 , I can't believe he would drop the two strikers scoring goals and on form at the min just to accommodate him..

Telegraph certainly seems to think so.

It would be tough on the Pope or Palmer - but if it happens I hope it's the Lenny & Ollie combo. They operated well together. Then Pitman on as super sub.

It's a massive positive to have the three of them available at this stage of the season.

A must win game for me to put further distance between us and an in-form rival. Our play-off spot would look highly likely if we won.

I believe Eastleigh have won 6 and drawn 1 of their last 7 away games. Very impressive.   They will be confident against our home record, despite losing at home to us recently.
  

Quoted from jonnyboy82

Well looks like king lenny will be back in the starting 11 , I can't believe he would drop the two strikers scoring goals and on form at the min just to accommodate him..

Telegraph certainly seems to think so.

I think you are being a bit short sighted here. I think the Chester game showed what we miss when Lenny is not in the team. On Saturday we just lumped balls forward looking for hopeful flick ons. Lenny gives us someone who holds up the ball and brings people like Disley, McKreath and Arnold into play more from midfield, as well as his strike partner. Part of the reason we got deeper and deeper v Chester was because we didn't get the ball enough when we got forward.

Quoted from Fcukthescunts

It's his last ditch effort for your hotdog nightmare.....unfortunately I think you are safe but you must admit it was squeaky-bum time for a while for you! ;)

I was never worried and that's honest.

Unfortunately LJL is a lot of things but a finisher he ain't.

I am more amazed he made double figures  :P

But, yeah must win 100%. Agree we are out of title race if we don't win.

Quoted from Paris Mariner

I think you are being a bit short sighted here. I think the Chester game showed what we miss when Lenny is not in the team. On Saturday we just lumped balls forward looking for hopeful flick ons. Lenny gives us someone who holds up the ball and brings people like Disley, McKreath and Arnold into play more from midfield, as well as his strike partner. Part of the reason we got deeper and deeper v Chester was because we didn't get the ball enough when we got forward.

The reason we dropped points at Chester has nothing to do with lenny, we all know why we dropped points.

Why drop a striker in form just to get him in the team ?

Surely places are kept on form and merit not just because he has 11 goals or something.

I have no problem LJL being on the bench and coming on but to start when other players are on form no not for me.

Kind of hope we would stick with in form strikers but lets not get negative if Hurst does put LJL back.  For a start Palmer and LJL looked like they were an awesome partnership at home to Barnet.  Also Hurst knows the criticism he will get if it goes wrong so it is a big decision for him.  Let us hope he is right if he does do it, passionately get behind the team, and get ready to offer criticism (not personal abuse of course) on him and the decision at FT.

UTM!

Quoted from Caesar

Kind of hope we would stick with in form strikers but lets not get negative if Hurst does put LJL back.  For a start Palmer and LJL looked like they were an awesome partnership at home to Barnet.  Also Hurst knows the criticism he will get if it goes wrong so it is a big decision for him.  Let us hope he is right if he does do it, passionately get behind the team, and get ready to offer criticism (not personal abuse of course) on him and the decision at FT.

UTM!

Yep his decision and if all goes well great if not well we all know he would rather blame anyone than his own decisions.

I'm just saying no one should walk straight back in the team when the player who has stepped in is performing.

Quoted from jonnyboy82

Well looks like king lenny will be back in the starting 11 , I can't believe he would drop the two strikers scoring goals and on form at the min just to accommodate him..

Telegraph certainly seems to think so.

Is there something wrong with you ? you are always moaning....do you shout at yourself when you look in the mirror ?

Quoted from jonnyboy82

Yep his decision and if all goes well great if not well we all know he would rather blame anyone than his own decisions.

I'm just saying no one should walk straight back in the team when the player who has stepped in is performing.

I completely agree with you in everything you say, and were I in charge I would stick with the team that has been doing so well.  I just want to avoid people jumping on Hurst and Lenny before we have even seen whether the decision is a bad one like I fear or a stroke of genius!

Quoted from Caesar

I completely agree with you in everything you say, and were I in charge I would stick with the team that has been doing so well.  I just want to avoid people jumping on Hurst and Lenny before we have even seen whether the decision is a bad one like I fear or a stroke of genius!

Fair enough . :)

Let's hope we get 3 points.

Quoted from jonnyboy82

The reason we dropped points at Chester has nothing to do with lenny, we all know why we dropped points.

Why drop a striker in form just to get him in the team ?

Surely places are kept on form and merit not just because he has 11 goals or something.

I have no problem LJL being on the bench and coming on but to start when other players are on form no not for me.

I didn't say that the reason we dropped points at Chester was because Lenny wasn't in the side. I agree that it was a poor substitution which cost us but I think we missed Lenny's play with his back to goal throughout the game and it showed in the way we just launched it forward.

Lenny is our top scorer - I can't understand why any team wouldn't bring their top scorer into the starting XI.

He's on a hiding to nothing to be honest. Whatever forward line he goes with will no doubt get critizism from some fans.

I think every game is vital but yeah, this one does have a '6 pointer' feel to it.

And to break up a striking partnership that's netted 4 in its 2 games would be wrong imo.

Quoted from Les Brechin

He's on a hiding to nothing to be honest. Whatever forward line he goes with will no doubt get critizism from some fans.

Stick with a winning side - including the one that was winning for 80 + minutes last week.

Quoted from Les Brechin

He's on a hiding to nothing to be honest. Whatever forward line he goes with will no doubt get critizism from some fans.

He's always said he'll pick players on merit, and rightly so, so changing that now for a player who lets be honest, is out of form would be a negative message to the players who have worked hard to earn their place. I can only imagine how drunk off i'd be if my boss did that to me.

Quoted from Les Brechin

He's on a hiding to nothing to be honest. Whatever forward line he goes with will no doubt get critizism from some fans.

Maybe Hurst could put Parslow up front and get all the criticism out of the way with just one fell swoop!  ;)

Harry Pell back at BP tomorrow. His spell here was pretty disappointing I thought. Let's hope he doesn't have a stormer tomorrow.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Harry Pell back at BP tomorrow. Apart from the goal on his debut at Kiddy his spell here was pretty disappointing I thought. Let's hope he doesn't have a stormer tomorrow.

I thought it was Rhys Oates who got that goal Les?  ;)

Quoted from FishOutOfWater

I thought it was Rhys Oates who got that goal Les?  ;)

Yeah, it was. I realised that after I posted it and edited it straight away. Just goes to show that I can clearly remember details of games 25 years ago but haven't got a clue about a game a few months back.  ;D

Is Palmer carrying a knock?

I'm sure Paul Hurst would know how to spell losing though.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Yeah, it was. I realised that after I posted it and edited it straight away. Just goes to show that I can clearly remember details of games 25 years ago but haven't got a clue about a game a few months back.  ;D

Know that feeling well!  ;D

Unless there is an injury to Pittman or Palmer there is no way on earth either should be dropped. If Hurst does this, then all I know about football is wrong. Two strikers scoring and creating goals and one who despite his qualities, struggles with the cows bottom/banjo equation. Bizarre if it happens.

He can't break up the Palmer/Pittman partnership. Can he?!

He's said Scott Brown can't get back into the team because of the form of Disley and Clay.

So it seems rather unfair if LJL just walked back into the side - especially as Hurst couldn't have asked for more from Palmer and Pittman in his absence.

If I were one of the two, I'd be absolutely devastated to be dropped after doing so well. By all means bring LJL on and change it if it isn't working in the second half, but you've got to say, with 4 goals in 2 games, he's got to go with that. Surely.

Just Hope Hurst as the bollix to attack with two strikers up front if he bottles it and plays 451 Easleigh will tear us apart.

Quoted from RichMariner

He can't break up the Palmer/Pittman partnership. Can he?!

He's said Scott Brown can't get back into the team because of the form of Disley and Clay.

So it seems rather unfair if LJL just walked back into the side - especially as Hurst couldn't have asked for more from Palmer and Pittman in his absence.

If I were one of the two, I'd be absolutely devastated to be dropped after doing so well. By all means bring LJL on and change it if it isn't working in the second half, but you've got to say, with 4 goals in 2 games, he's got to go with that. Surely.

This for me.

You have to earn your place back in the side, not just walk back in.

Let's see what Hurst goes with, although reading his comments it seems odds on that LJL will be back in the starting 11.

I think this is what will happen,

We start with John Lewis on the bench,

Pittman and Palmer both score in the 1st half,

John Lewis comes on with 10 minutes to go,

He scores with his 1st kick and then scores again from a pen,

Paul Hurst then has a headache who to pick for the Dover game. 8)

Quoted from Mrs Doyle

Just Hope Hurst as the bollix to attack with two strikers up front if he bottles it and plays 451 Easleigh will tear us apart.

It's bloody Eastleigh, not Barcelona!  ;)

Quoted from RichMariner

He can't break up the Palmer/Pittman partnership. Can he?!

He's said Scott Brown can't get back into the team because of the form of Disley and Clay.

So it seems rather unfair if LJL just walked back into the side - especially as Hurst couldn't have asked for more from Palmer and Pittman in his absence.

If I were one of the two, I'd be absolutely devastated to be dropped after doing so well. By all means bring LJL on and change it if it isn't working in the second half, but you've got to say, with 4 goals in 2 games, he's got to go with that. Surely.

Don't underestimate team spirit right now - the way they are playing for each other, and buying into Hurst's way of thinking should mitigate the devastation.   The players are expected to take it for the team if they don't make the starting 11. PH will already have one eye on keeping all three of them as fresh and fit as possible for the next couple of months.  I suspect if one of Pope or Palmer is to step aside for LJL they will be moved to the bench, only to be subbed on for a decent chunk of the match. So it will still allow the left out striker to show his stuff.  As we head into the tense closing stages of the season there's no better time for intense competition between team mates to make them perform at their highest peak. And don't forget last year it was LJL with one of Cook, Hannah and Tounkara!

I'm counting our blessings we have all three of our improved strike force fighting for the starting line up.

No defence will want to face any combination of them.  

Quoted from Mrs Doyle

Just Hope Hurst as the bollix to attack with two strikers up front if he bottles it and plays 451 Easleigh will tear us apart.

I always wanted Andy Love to sign for any other team in Town's division and reinvent himself as a deadly striker.

For no other reason that the preview headline could be Love Will Tear Us Apart.

After Chester, the manager and team might well be even more determined to win tomorrow.

If Hurst said that Brown can't get in ahead of Disley and Clay, then Brown is even behind Parslow.  well he was at Chester.  (Can I still mention the "C" word?).  ;)

I would like Paddy to be available.  He has also scored goals from midfield and freekicks.  A useful (unused) addition to have in the squad for the run-in. We might suffer from injuries in the same position.

Just had a glance at the OS forum and see 80's Glory is virtually the only poster!

No surprises with his suggested line up for Eastleigh ;)

..........................McKeown
.........Parslow.....Pearson.....Magnay
Mackreth.......Brown......Disley........Jolley
......John-Lewis...Palmer....Hannah

Subs: R'son, Toto, Clay, Arnold, Pittman.

Quoted from Trawler

Don't underestimate team spirit right now - the way they are playing for each other, and buying into Hurst's way of thinking should mitigate the devastation.   The players are expected to take it for the team if they don't make the starting 11. PH will already have one eye on keeping all three of them as fresh and fit as possible for the next couple of months.  I suspect if one of Pope or Palmer is to step aside for LJL they will be moved to the bench, only to be subbed on for a decent chunk of the match. So it will still allow the left out striker to show his stuff.  As we head into the tense closing stages of the season there's no better time for intense competition between team mates to make them perform at their highest peak. And don't forget last year it was LJL with one of Cook, Hannah and Tounkara!

I'm counting our blessings we have all three of our improved strike force fighting for the starting line up.

No defence will want to face any combination of them.  

I hope you're right - and I can see why Hurst wants to keep all three fit. My concern with this is that Hurst tried rotating his strikers last season - and the season before, with Scott - and it didn't work. His track record in this department leaves a lot to be desired.

By trying to keep them fit he risks overlooking the fact that the Palmer/Pittman partnership has been very successful and should be left to continue.

Stick LJL on the bench and bring him on when we need him in the second half. Then maybe start him at Dover if one of Palmer or Pittman doesn't perform against Eastleigh.

Quoted from BIGChris

Just had a glance at the OS forum and see 80's Glory is virtually the only poster!

No surprises with his suggested line up for Eastleigh ;)

..........................McKeown
.........Parslow.....Pearson.....Magnay
Mackreth.......Brown......Disley........Jolley
......John-Lewis...Palmer....Hannah

Subs: R'son, Toto, Clay, Arnold, Pittman.

(lff3) (lff3) (lff3)

Is the man actually sane?

Quoted from BIGChris

Just had a glance at the OS forum and see 80's Glory is virtually the only poster!

No surprises with his suggested line up for Eastleigh ;)

..........................McKeown
.........Parslow.....Pearson.....Magnay
Mackreth.......Brown......Disley........Jolley
......John-Lewis...Palmer....Hannah

Subs: R'son, Toto, Clay, Arnold, Pittman.

Jesus H. Christ.

Only on the Fishy can the manager get stick before we even know the team or a ball has been kicked. Give the guy a break I am sure he will do what he thinks is right to get a result. He knows better than us which players are the fittest and which players have trained the best during the week. Let them get on with it and if Lenny does not score in the first 30 mins don't get on his back either.

Quoted from mariner91

Jesus H. Christ.

He didnt make the squad, think he now has a job upstairs, in an overseeing role  (fallenangel)

Quoted from moosey_club

He didnt make the squad, think he now has a job upstairs, in an overseeing role  (fallenangel)

Something about crosses.

Quoted from jonnyboy82

The reason we dropped points at Chester has nothing to do with lenny, we all know why we dropped points.

Why drop a striker in form just to get him in the team ?

Surely places are kept on form and merit not just because he has 11 goals or something.

I have no problem LJL being on the bench and coming on but to start when other players are on form no not for me.

I must have missed something. Has the starting XI been announced or are you getting your criticism in early?

Quoted from RichMariner

He can't break up the Palmer/Pittman partnership. Can he?!

So it seems rather unfair if LJL just walked back into the side - especially as Hurst couldn't have asked for more from Palmer and Pittman in his absence.

If I were one of the two, I'd be absolutely devastated to be dropped after doing so well. By all means bring LJL on and change it if it isn't working in the second half, but you've got to say, with 4 goals in 2 games, he's got to go with that. Surely.

allow me to answer the potential post match question.. ....

"  Ollie/JP  (delete as applicable)  felt us hamstring tighten up in training and i didnt want to risk him at this stage of the season and possibly lose him so rested as a precaution...and when us have Lenny, us top scorer, rested and rerring to go its a no brainer "  

Quoted from BIGChris

Just had a glance at the OS forum and see 80's Glory is virtually the only poster!

No surprises with his suggested line up for Eastleigh ;)

..........................McKeown
.........Parslow.....Pearson.....Magnay
Mackreth.......Brown......Disley........Jolley
......John-Lewis...Palmer....Hannah

Subs: R'son, Toto, Clay, Arnold, Pittman.

Apparently the "down with the kids" abbreviation is ROFL... :)

Quoted from mariner91

Something about crosses.

Its a shame cos he felt sure in just a couple of weeks he would feel a whole new lease of life..

Quoted from moosey_club

Its a shame cos he felt sure in just a couple of weeks he would feel a whole new lease of life..

I reckon he just needs three days rest then he'll be back to form.

Quoted from mariner91

I reckon he just needs three days rest then he'll be back to form.

He needs to make his opportunity count otherwise he will be hung out to dry by the fishy lol

I agree this is the biggest game of the season so far.

Win and our chances of winning the league are very much alive and at the same time we can put ourselves in a very strong position to cement at  least a play off spot. Would put us 8pts clear of Eastleigh (with a better goal difference) who are 6th with 7 games left.

Draw keeps the gap on 6th place Eastleigh at 5pts so still in control of our own destiny play off wise but depending on other results could ruin hopes of the title.

Defeat- a disaster. Title hopes gone imo and we get dragged back into a dogfight for the scramble to get into the play off at all.

Will tell us more about hurst's outlook. I know avoiding defeat is paramount but will he be brave and push for the win we really need or be cagey/negative and simply set up to try not to lose (which at this stage is neither here nor there really) and hope to 'nick' it.

I fear we probably know the answer to that. I am not saying we go all gun ho and be reckless but we need to be positive in our play and take the game to them and put them under some pressure.

Sometimes you have to go put and grasp the opportunity rather wait and hope for something to happen.

Hello everyone, I am a new member, so I'm still getting to grips with everything. Anyway, I'm interested in thoughts/predictions ahead of the home fixture against Eastleigh.

Stimulus for discussion,

According to the Grimsby Telegraph, the predicted line-up is Palmer and John-Lewis up top. Is this the right choice? Despite the formation of the efficient partnership between Pittman and Palmer.  

Again, referencing the Grimsby Telegraph; Paul Hurst, in his statement, said that the fixture is a 'bigger game for Eastleigh - there's more pressure on them.' Is this true? Is it a bigger game for Eastleigh? Personally, I believe this game is huge for us - a pivotal point in our season. I cannot imagine there being more 'pressure' on Eastleigh.

Finally, the Question of the Week - Where will Grimsby finish? Out of 730 votes, 9% or, 65.7 votes believe Grimsby will finish lower than fifth in the table. What has caused this feeling? Why do supporters possess such a bleak outlook of this season? Everyone is entitle to their opinion, I respect that. However, I feel compelled to ask the question.

A personal response to the latter, the tie at Chester wasn't the desired result, but, we cannot let the minor disappointment destroy the momentum we have. The momentum isn't just on the pitch, it's with the supporters as well, the recent themes (Wigs at Woking, etc.) have given the dedicated away following something to smile about, it has offered something new to the faithful. I for one think the atmosphere created has; and will, be influential in our chase for promotion.

As always, Up the Mariners!

Quoted from BottesfordMariner

Sometimes you have to go out and grasp the opportunity rather wait and hope for something to happen.

i ended up with a slap across the face and in HR on a disciplinary last time i took that advice  ;)