David Artell could ring further changes for Crewe's clash with Grimsby

Posted Sunday, December 31, 2017 by PA

Crewe boss David Artell could shuffle his pack once again to face Grimsby after being disappointed with the display against Cambridge.

The manager made three changes for the second game running, and with the festive fixtures coming thick and fast is likely to roll the dice again on New Year's Day.

Jordan Bowery, Harry Pickering and Sam Stubbs were the players to come in on Saturday, with Perry Ng, Tom Lowery and Chris Porter all in the frame to reclaim starting spots.

George Ray (back), James Jones (pelvis) and Ryan Wintle (fractured tibia) are running again after long absences but are still some way away from full fitness.

Ben Killip will keep his place in goal for Grimsby after boss Russell Slade revealed number one James McKeown is due to be out for "a length of time".

The goalkeeper limped off with a groin problem just 33 minutes into the Boxing Day draw with Mansfield to be replaced by Killip, who then started Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Accrington.

Diallang Jaiyesimi was the only other change against Stanley but Slade admitted he maybe should have made more changes over Christmas and could rotate against the Alex.

"Maybe I should've made a few more changes today and maybe that was an issue but I don't think we should be looking at excuses," he said following the defeat.