Fulham Preview

By: Stephen Bateman
Date: 24/11/2000

After an unimpressive recent run of form, the Mariners are faced with the unenviable prospect of a trip to Craven Cottage in an attempt to rumble runaway division leaders Fulham. However, the last thing on Lennie Lawrence's mind is the result.

The Town boss has emphasised that as long as his players give their best during the game, the result is not that important. "What we need to do is put in a better performance. We need to put 90 minutes of application and concentration into our game," said Lawrence, who admitted earlier in the week that Tuesday nights performance against Wolves was simply unacceptable.

Dutch midfielder Menno Willems will join the Mariners squad for their trip down to the Thames after completing a three-month loan deal with the club on Friday. Also included is Danny Butterfield who returns after a month-long absence with ankle ligament damage. Bradley Allen misses out once again.

No-nonsense Lawrence suggested that unless the eleven men on the pitch play as a team there is little hope for Grimsby as he said "The first thing we need is a collective performance. The second thing we need is to minimise the mistakes which are coming through a lack of concentration."

"Thirdly, we need to play our football as and when we can, and only the fourth thing is to worry about the result," continued the Grimsby boss who is embarking on his first run of four consecutive away games during his 25 years in football management.

Lawrence admitted that the last few weeks have been tough as he confessed "I'm disappointed. These are the worst days I've had since I've been here, but that's life. It's tough but I have to suffer it. That's what I get paid for."

Fulham manager Jean Tigana (pictured) seems likely to name the same team that started in the 1-1 draw at Sheffield United during midweek with John Collins once again failing to make the squad.

Grimsby Town (possible; 4-4-2): Coyne - McDermott, Fostervold, Groves, Handyside - Campbell, Coldicott, Burnett, Donovan - Livingstone, Nielsen

Fulham (possible; 3-5-2): Taylor - Melville, Coleman, Davis - Finnan, Brevett, Clark, Fernandes, Goldbaek - Hayles, Saha

Last season's games between the Mariners and Wolves ended up 1-1 at home and 1-0 away

For a complete list of fixtures between the Mariners and Fulham (including some notable games in recent years) click here

For those unable to attend the game, Real Audio commentary of the match can be found here which we recommend should be supplemented by communicating with fellow on-line Mariners fans in our Chat Room

For a directions to Craven Cottage look no futher than our counterparts on the Fulham Rivals site directions page.

For a list of pubs around Craven Cottage there is a list here.

The recommended meeting point is the Eight Bells pub near Putney Bridge tube station on the district line.

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