Grimsby v Brenford preview

Mariners look to kick-start play-offs bid

Last updated: 23rd March 2008

Danny North

North: Set to be fit

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Striker Danny North should retain his place in the Grimsby attack for the visit of Brentford.

North came off at half-time in his first appearance in four matches following a knee injury, but should partner Martin Butler up front.

Midfielder Peter Till had another successful match against Mansfield, scoring the first goal, and seems to have shrugged off his hip injury.

Another midfielder, Ciaran Toner, is also back in training after his long-term ankle injury, but he is not expected to figure in Alan Buckley's plans just yet.

James Hunt could also step in after coming on for North against the Stags.

The Mariners are without a win in their last three home matches and will need to rectify that to make a late run into the play-off places.

Brentford team news

Gary Smith will miss out Brentford after taking a blow to the ribs in the win over Wrexham.

The defender was forced off after 26 minutes and John Mousinho is in line to deputise in Lincolnshire.

But Matt Heywood could make a surprise return to the defence after a swifter recovery from a rib injury than expected.

Kevin O'Connor played a full 90 minutes against the Dragons after he recovered from his hamstring injury.

Striker Ross Montague is out for at least a fortnight with a back problem.

The Bees' away form has taken a nosedive, with four successive defeats and only two goals scored in that sequence since the victory over Barnet at Underhill on 2nd February.