Sunderland under-21s will round off their Checkatrade Trophy campaign this evening at Grimsby Town.
Here’s your all you need to know guide…
STORY SO FAR
Neither Sunderland or Grimsby are able to advance to the knockout stages of the Checkatrade Trophy this season, and so will round off their group H campaign at Blundell Park tonight, kick-off 7.45pm. The Black Cats have suffered defeats in both their matches, losing at Scunthorpe United and Doncaster Rovers. Grimsby, meanwhile, have collected one point from their two matches. The Mariners were defeated on penalties in their opening match against Rovers before the Iron edged out a closely fought match 2-1 at Glanford Park.
THE MARINERS
Russell Slade is currently in his second spell as Grimsby Town manager, having initially taken charge of them for two years between 2004 and 2006. The former Brighton & Hove Albion boss is enjoying a strong spell at Blundell Park with the play-offs not far from their radar. Currently 12th in Sky Bet League Two, the Mariners are four points off the top six after 16 games. Slade’s side are currently on an undefeated run of seven league matches, however suffered a first round exit of the Emirates FA Cup last Sunday at Plymouth Argyle.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Tonight’s meeting at Blundell Park will be the first match between the two sides since 1999. The Black Cats are undefeated against the Marines in their previous four matches, and have lost just one of the last nine. In March 1999, on Sunderland’s last visit to Blundell Park, Peter Reid’s side secured a 2-0 victory in what was then Division One, after goals from Kevin Phillips and Lee Clark. Sunderland went on to achieve promotion to the Premier League that season, with a record-breaking 105 points haul at the time.
TEAM NEWS
Elliott Dickman, who will take charge of the Black Cats tonight due to Robbie Stockdale interim role as joint-caretaker manager, has confirmed some senior faces will feature at Blundell Park. While it is unclear which players that will be, Jack Rodwell, Brendan Galloway, Donald Love and Mika are the senior figures who have so far made appearances in the EFL Trophy. For the hosts, winger Siriki Dembele will miss the tie with a hamstring strain. Dembele limped off in Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Plymouth, and Slade has opted to rest him in the hope he will be fit to face Exeter City on Saturday. Mitch Rose could return to the starting XI after an ankle injury while Jamille Matt is also in the frame to play some part.
PAY ON THE NIGHT
Sunderland fans wishing to attending tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy match against Grimsby Town can pay on the gate. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £5 for over 65s and full-time students with a valid ID while juniors with a full paying adult can gain entry for FREE. Sunderland’s fans will be housed in the Osmond Stand.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Nick Barnes and Michael Proctor will be in the commentary booth from 7.30pm, with minute-by-minute analysis available right here and across social media from Twitter to Instagram. But if you’re unable to attend the game we have comprehensive coverage of all the action as it happens across our digital channels. Ha’way the Lads!
