Team news....Vs Grimsby Town

Last updated : 07 December 2004 By Rob Davies
Notts County

Notts caretaker player-boss Ian Richardson has plenty of options as he looks to guide the Magpies to their first away win since October 10.

The 35-year-old defender will again be running his side from the touchline though, as a knee problem continues to rule him out. The Notts boss though, is one of just a handful of absentees as he looks to mastermind the Magpies' first win at Blundell Park since 1951.

Baudet: Doubt
Long-term absentees Steve Scoffham (leg) and former-Mariner Mike Edwards (cruciate) are still ruled out, but Rob Ullathorne (groin) may return. Midfielder Paul Bolland sits out the second game of his three-match suspension.

As ever though, the defensive pairing of Julien Baudet (calf) and Mike Whitlow (groin) are doubts but both may - not for the first time - play through the pain barrier to play tonight.

Richardson is certain to stick with his preferred 3-5-2 formation, but has major selection headaches to make both in goal and upfront.

For the first time, the caretaker boss has both of his young Irish keepers, Saul Deeney and on-loan Wayne Henderson, to choose from. Henderson was outstanding during his first loan spell here, but Deeney has since filled his countryman's shoes with ease. A decision has to be made...and it's anyone's guess as to who Richo will choose.

Top scorer Glynn Hurst is also available again after a two game suspension, giving the County boss another headache, with Matty Williams and Gavin Gordon in good form in the former Spirites' absence.

Notts (probable): Deeney/Henderson; Wilson, Baudet, Whitlow; Pipe, Gill, Oakes, McFaul, Palmer; Gordon, Hurst.

Subs (from): Deeney/Henderson, Friars, Ullathorne, Kuduzovic, Scully, O'Grady, Williams, Harrad.

Grimsby Town

Grimsby's ex-Notts County boss boasts a number of ex Magpies in his squad. Ex loanee Andy Parkinson will line-up in attack, and he is likely to be partnered by another player who spent time on-loan at Meadow Lane, Colin Cramb. Yet another ex Notts loanee, Simon Ramsden, will miss the game through injury, though.

Slade is likely to line-up with a 4-4-2 formation, and may welcome back defender Terrel Forbes - sure to receive stick from the travelling following after being cleared recently of gang raping a 15-year-old girl - into the side.

Grimsby (probable): Williams, McDermott, Whittle, Forbes, Bull, Crowe, Pinault, Fleming, Gordon, Parkinson, Cramb.

Check back to NCM for a full match report after the game.