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Robins host Russell Slade’s men in unpredictable mid-table clash

By Louis Hobbs

Cheltenham boss Gary Johnson is desperate to bounce back from the weekend’s horrendous result away at Port Vale, as they welcome Grimsby Town to Whaddon Road.

Despite their loss on Saturday, the Robin’s sit second in the League Two form table, as they have managed an impressive 14 points from their last six league encounters.

Johnson reported a couple of knocks following the Port Vale defeat, which could open the return of Kevin Dawson and Freddie Hinds, who are both close to full fitness.

Former Chelsea defender Alex Davey is also still awaiting his first league start for the Robins, whilst forward Jaanai Gordon and defender Jordon Forster both remain side-lined.

Ahead of tonight’s clash, Johnson added: “Although we’re disappointed at our last result, we have to look at the game objectively, we had a lot more possession than them, and our ability as a team hasn’t changed”.

In addition, Grimsby boss Russell Slade has a minor defensive crisis ahead of tonight’s trip, coming off their bore of a draw at home against Crawley Town.

Grimsby go into the match one place above their hosts, laying comfortably in 12th in the League Two table.

Defenders Ben Davies and Karleigh Osbourne both face late fitness tests while a third unnamed player is also out.

Although, Slade has boosted his options by signing another defender, Reece Hall-Johnson, after a successful trial with the club. The former Norwich academy player tied down a contract until the end of the season at Blundell Park.

Unfortunately for Slade, Town have tasted defeat in their last two trips to Whaddon Road, with former loanee Harry Pell scoring on both occasions, which doesn’t put them in good stead heading into this fixture.

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