FA Cup Team News

By: Richard Hubbert
Date: 13/01/2003

THE Mariners will play their second game in four days in an FA Cup replay on Tuesday night against a Burnley side they know well, having met them twice this season already. But against an unpredictable Burnley side who knows what may happen this time?

Town will be forced to make at least two changes to the side that started at Wimbledon. Striker Michael Boulding in ineligible to play, and is lacking match fitness anyway, so will be replaced by Darren Mansaram. Midfielder Stacy Coldicott is also a worry for Paul Groves. He has an achilles injury and is expected to be out for a few weeks.

There is also a doubt over the fitness of Welsh midfielder Darren Barnard who has been carrying an injury for the past few games. If Barnard were to be absent, it would leave a void in midfield that could be filled by either Iain Ward or Chris Bolder.

Alternatively, Groves could experiment with David Soames in a wide role, leaving Stuart Campbell to play in central midfield, where of course, he made a devastating impact on Saturday at Wimbledon. However, the inclusion of Ward who played so well in midfield at Derby would seem the most likely option.

Groves and his management team have hinted that some youngsters may be given their chance in the replay, with so many first team players carrying bumps and bruises, especially with Saturday’s division one encounter with Millwall at Blundell Park fast approaching.

Expected Town team: Danny Coyne, John McDermott, Tony Gallimore, Simon Ford, Steve Chettle, Terry Cooke, Iain Ward, Paul Groves, Stuart Campbell, Darren Mansaram, Steve Livingstone.
Substitutes (from) David Soames, Chris Thompson, Chris Bolder, Wes Parker, Jonathan Rowan, Shaun Allaway (GK)

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