Two teams at opposite ends of the National League table will meet for the final game of the season on Sunday as Grimsby Town make the trip to Silverlake Stadium in order to face Eastleigh.
While the hosts have nothing to play for after successfully avoiding relegation, the visitors will be looking to take as much momentum as possible into the playoffs.
Match preview
It has been a difficult season for Eastleigh, but they have managed to avoid relegation ahead of their final game of the campaign, despite being in the mix.
Lee Bradbury's team are currently 19th in the table, and while they cannot finish any higher than that, they could slip down to 20th with a defeat on Sunday.
Aldershot Town sit just two points behind them at the moment, which places some pressure onto this match for the hosts in order not to drop any further.
Eastleigh had gone six games in a row without a victory before last weekend, but they were able to secure three points in their most recent outing.
Danny Whitehall had originally given his team the lead, and even though Woking were able to equalise, Dan Smith was on hand to score a 96th-minute winner.
The visitors were also able to pick up three points in their previous match as well, defeating Boreham Wood 1-0 via a John McAtee goal.
The win secured their place in the National League playoffs for after this game, giving the Mariners a chance to earn promotion into League Two.
Because of that, Grimsby Town will be pushing themselves in this match in order to gain as much momentum as they can heading into their most important fixture of the season.
Paul Hurst's team could end up climbing above Notts County on goal difference if they can defeat Eastleigh, which would help provide even more confidence to the squad.
Grimsby won 2-0 the last time these two teams met with Michee Efete and Ben Fox getting on the scoresheet, which is a result they would be pleased to repeat.
- L
- D
- L
- D
- L
- W
- W
- W
- W
- D
- L
- W
Team News
Whitehall will likely retain his place in the team and lead the line for Eastleigh on Sunday, bringing plenty of confidence after finding the back of the net last weekend.
The hosts are without Joe McDonnell though as he was sent on an emergency loan to Solihull Moors, and that should see Ross Flitney start in goal.
Luke Waterfall remains suspended for Grimsby after his recent red card, meaning the visitors will once again have to replace him.
The club also recently confirmed that Danny Rose will be departing at the end of the season, which could make this one of his final appearances for the Mariners.
McAtee managed to mark his return to fitness with a match-winner against Boreham Wood, and he will likely accompany Ryan Taylor in the attack.
Eastleigh possible starting lineup:
Flitney; Camp, Willson, Boyce, Harper; Hollands, Silva, Hesketh; Smith, Barnett, Whitehall
Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:
Crocombe; Cropper, Smith, Pearson, Amos; Sousa, Fox, Holohan Clifton; McAtee, Taylor
We say: Eastleigh 0-3 Grimsby Town
These two teams have had completely different seasons, and that is reflected in their league positions, and likely will be showcased in the result this Sunday.
With Grimsby needing to build as much momentum as possible heading into the playoffs, they should be looking to take three points here in a confident manner.
Top tip
body check tags ::
Previews by email
