After tasting defeat for the first time of the season at home on Sunday, Rovers look to get back to their winning ways with a local trip to, Grimsby Town.

Craig Alcock, has been given the ‘all clear’ for the trip to Grimsby, but midfielder, Conor Grant, is a doubt and it depends how he is Friday morning on whether he’ll be able to make it into the squad, or not. Should Grant not feature there are a few players who will be eager to take his place in the side, such as long-term absentee Luke McCullough, who returned last Sunday for the final 20 minutes. As well as McCullough, there will also be pressure from Harry Middleton, who hasn’t featured too much this campaign.

Ferguson has said ahead of this game that the squad are “enjoying the challenge” right now; even after losing to fellow title contenders Plymouth Argyle. Matty Blair also shared a similar view, but refused to comment on the future of Rovers regarding league one, saying that they’re still taking each game by game, but still states that “the goal is winning the league.”

In addition, Ferguson praised latest squad addition Alfie May for his contribution to the team and backed him saying he thinks "he's doing really well", but Ferguson did say that he has a decision on whether to 'freshen it up' upfront this weekend, so could there be a return for Andy Williams?

Head-to-heads
Grimsby have won 3 out of their last 8 games, which sees them lay 14th in Sky Bet League Two, whereas Rovers have lost 1 out of 8, with that defeat coming against second in the league, Plymouth Argyle. Grimsby haven’t been able to score many goals since the departure of Omar Bogle, with them scoring 46 goals within 39 games, whereas Rovers have scored 75 goals this term in just as many games – which sees them as best goal scorers in the league.

Players to watch
Ferguson seemed relieved at the fact that former Grimsby talisman Omar Bogle isn’t a threat anymore after completing his transfer to Wigan Athletic in January, but stated that Grimsby still pose an attacking threat with the likes of Asante, highlighting his pace as their main threat when attacking.

Their top goal scorer, however is striker Calum Dyson, with three this season. Their main provider for assists is midfielder, Tom Balarinwa, with 4 league assists this season.

Previous encounters
At  the Keepmoat back in December 2016, Grimsby were beaten by an early goal from Rovers current injured striker Liam Mandeville, as they beat the Mariners 1-0.
Last time Rovers visited Grimsby was in the Johnstones Paint Trophy in 2007, which ended in a 2-2 draw with goals from Lewis Guy and Paul Heffernan (Rovers lost this game consequently on penalties).

Overall, Rovers have won 14, drawn 9 and lost 18 since 1904, against Grimsby Town.

Predicted lineup v Grimsby Town
Lawlor; Blair, Butler, Baudry, Alcock; Mason, Middleton, Rowe, Coppinger; May and Marquis.