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Beagrie: First Game!
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Grimsby v Boston Preview

By: Richard Hubbert
Date: 04/08/2006

THE talking is now over and it's time for the action to begin. The Football League season begins this weekend and the Mariners start their new campaign at Blundell Park with the visit of local rivals Boston United.

Home > 2006-2007 Season > Previews > Boston (h)


It has been a summer of change once again at Blundell Park. Four new signings have been made and most importantly, there is a different man in charge of the side. Graham Rodger will be hoping that his first game as permanent manager of the Mariners is a successful one as Town look to challenge for promotion once more.

However, Town will have to cope without the services of utility man Gary Cohen. The former Gretna man has been suffering from tendonitis for most of the summer and could face up to two months on the sidelines. However, Rodger will hope to have Paul Bolland available. The midfield maestro has been struggling with a thigh injury of late, but should shake it off in time for the big kick off. This may well mean that Rodger opts to play Ciaran Toner on the right wing, with Bolland and new boy Gary Harkins in the centre of midfield. Gary Croft was just a substitute in the friendly with Leeds due to a slight groin strain, but should make the sixteen.

In attack, Rodger has hinted that Michael Reddy may be involved in the squad. Rodger revealed on the official website yesterday that Reddy is still happy playing for the Mariners and he still considers him as part of his plans. In any case, Reddy has been troubled all summer by a groin problem and therefore may only make the substitutes bench. Therefore, Isiah Rankin and Gary Jones will probably line up in attack. Meanwhile, youngster Peter Bore is likely to make the bench and could make his league debut should Rodger want an injection of pace down the Mariners right hand side.

Boston United have undergone plenty of changes in personnel over the summer. As many as eight players could make their Pilgrims debuts this weekend. Midfielder Chris Holland and striker Paul Tait have been struggling with calf and knee injuries, but will make the squad. Consequently, in attack, boss Steve Evans has plenty of options with Anthony Elding, Francis Green, Julian Joachim and Paul Tait all vying for a starting berth. In central defence, Paul Ellender and Mark Albrighton are set to join forces. The two have build a strong understanding in the Pilgrims pre-season games, which has seen them beat Bradford City and hold Championship sides Ipswich and Barnsley to draws.

Probable Teams:

Grimsby (4-4-2) Barnes, McDermott, Futcher, Whittle, Newey, Toner, Harkins, Bolland, Beagrie, Jones, Rankin.
Subs (from) : Croft, Barwick, Reddy, Bore, Chamberlain, North, Ashton, Murray.

Boston: (4-4-2) Marriott, Canoville, Albrighton, Ellender, T Ryan, Green, Talbot, Greaves, Galbraith, Joachim, Elding.
Subs (from): R Ryan, Clarke, Farrell, Tait, Maylett, Holland, Kirby.

Prediction: Boston are hoping for an improved season, but struggled away from home last season. Meanwhile, Town will be determined to prove their doubters wrong. I'll plump for a 2-0 Mariners win.


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This site is by the fans, for the fans, and we will consider articles on any subject relating to the Mariners whether it be related to current news, a nostalgic look back in the past, a story about a player, a game or games in the past, something about Blundell Park or football in general. Click here to submit your article!


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