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The Bottom Line

Town simply can’t afford to loose. It is looking pretty grim at the bottom of the table now and it looks like Town, Stoke, Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton are going to be left stranded at the foot of the table unless one of them puts a decent run of form together. Stoke are in good form compared to the Mariners, who have not won since Boxing Day, but Town have to forget all that if they are to stand any chance on Saturday.

The Opposition - Any Good?

Despite Stoke’s precarious position they have one or two handy players. One all too familiar to Town fans is Peter Handyside (left) who left the club two seasons ago after making 190 appearances for us between 1992 and 2001. They also have ex-Coventry full back Marcus Hall in their defence while experienced keeper’ Steve Banks is between the sticks. Up front they have striker Chris Iwelumo firing on all cylinders, while summer signing Chris Greenacre, signed by ex boss Steve Cotterill, has proved a useful acquisition and his partnership with Iwelumo is likely to provide a stern test for the Town backline.

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Last Time Out

Town are aiming to do the double over Stoke after beating the Potters in their own back yard back in November. The Mariners won by two goals to one thanks to goals from a Steve Livingstone chip and a wonderful Stuart Campbell free-kick. Stoke made a reply through a penalty when Jason Gavin handled a cross, but Town held on for three precious points.

Town Team: Coyne, McDermott, Gallimore, Groves, Chettle, Coldicott, Barnard (Robinson), Campbell, Cooke, Taylor (Rowan), Kabba.
Subs (not used): Rowan, Soames, Parker, Allaway .

Attendance: 11,488    Report

Stoke Head-to-Head (81st on The Opposition Ladder).

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