Grimsby Town vs Newport County - Josh Gowling absent again as Grimsby chase back-to-back wins

Posted Tuesday, September 27, 2016 by PA

Injured defender Josh Gowling is the only definite absentee for Grimsby's Sky Bet League Two clash with Newport at Blundell Park.

Manager Paul Hurst could be tempted to stick with the same side that won 1-0 at Mansfield on Saturday after an Omar Bogle penalty.

But Sean Tuton and Scott Vernon will both be pushing for starting places after impressing when they came off the bench.

Victory over Newport would help cement the Mariners' place in the top half of the League Two table.

Newport boss Warren Feeney could ring the changes as he comes under increasing pressure to stop the rot.

Saturday's 2-1 defeat to bottom club Cambridge dropped the Exiles into the relegation zone, and Feeney's position looks increasingly precarious with County having won only once in 21 games.

Darren Jones is expected to return and add some steel to the Newport defence and Jamie Turley should also feature at right-back if he shakes off a knock.

Joss Labadie (hamstring) could miss out again but Swansea loanee Josh Sheehan is in contention for a first start, while Marlon Jackson and Jack Compton are pushing for recalls with Jon Parkin (foot) doubtful.