Grimsby Town vs Port Vale - Grimsby quartet doubtful for Port Vale clash

Posted Friday, March 09, 2018 by PA

New Grimsby manager Michael Jolley is facing an injury crisis as he prepares to take charge for the first time against League Two rivals Port Vale.

Luke Summerfield, Charles Vernam, Paul Dixon and Karleigh Osborne are all expected to miss the game, with Summerfield and Dixon having started against Carlisle last week and Vernam coming on as a substitute.

In addition, Simeon Jackson and Mallik Wilks are unlikely to return from hamstring problems, leaving Jolley with reduced options for a crucial game.

The two sides, who sit in 20th and 22nd place in the table respectively, are just a point apart and too close for comfort to the relegation zone.

Port Vale boss Neil Aspin will be without striker Tom Pope as he recovers from hernia surgery.

The club’s 16-goal top scorer, who has been playing through the pain since before Christmas, is likely to miss several games as the season enters a crucial phase.

Marcus Harness is among several players Aspin could look towards to plug a sizeable gap as the Valiants attempt to drag themselves further clear of the bottom two.

Defender Antony Kay has returned to light training after also undergoing hernia surgery, although he is still some way away from match fitness.