Mariners Face Tough Test at Walsall
Grimsby Town will be looking to make it back-to-back league victories as they travel to Walsall in their first away fixture of the 2026/27 Sky Bet League Two campaign.
The Mariners will be hoping to carry the momentum from their 1-0 home win over Exeter City last weekend, where Harvey Rodgers' first-half goal proved enough to secure the three points.
Walsall, on the other hand, will be aiming to build on an impressive start of their own, having opened their League Two season with a 3-0 victory over Gillingham.
What happened?
Walsall have made an encouraging start to the new campaign, with Isaac Moore, James Connolly, and Aaron Pressley all finding the back of the net in their opening league fixture.
The Saddlers created plenty of opportunities in their opening league fixture, with almost 40 shots being registered between the two sides, but it was Walsall who ultimately showed the greater cutting edge.
Why it matters for Grimsby
Grimsby Town will be looking to make it two league wins from two, which would be a significant achievement for the Mariners.
The team will also be hoping to build on their positive start to the season, which has seen them earn four points from their first two games.
What comes next?
The Mariners will be without Ryan Leak, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Stan Straw is also unavailable.
Mason Hancock is back in contention and could feature as the Saddlers look to make it two league wins from two.
Last Time We Met
The most recent meeting between the sides came at Blundell Park on 18th February 2026, when the two teams played out an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Walsall took the lead in the 32nd minute when Priestley Farquharson met Courtney Clarke's corner at the back post.
The Mariners were handed a major boost shortly before half-time when Walsall goalkeeper Myles Roberts was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Andy Cook.
Cook levelled five minutes into the second half, getting on the end of Jamie Walker's cross, before putting Town ahead midway through the second period with his second goal of the evening.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Walsall responded almost immediately, Aaron Pressley heading home from another Clarke corner just three minutes later to secure a share of the spoils.
One to Watch
Former Saddler Andy Cook will be a familiar name to Walsall supporters and will be one to keep an eye on for the Mariners.
Cook has yet to find the net this season but enjoyed a memorable evening against his former club in the sides' last meeting, scoring twice in the 2-2 draw at Blundell Park.
Played for Both
A number of players have represented both clubs over the years, with at least 24 players having pulled on the shirts of Walsall and Grimsby Town.
Among the more familiar names are Andy Butler, Andy Cook, Jamille Matt, and Richard O'Donnell.
The Numbers
Walsall have lost two of their last three league meetings with Grimsby Town, with the other ending in a draw.
The Saddlers had lost just one of their previous seven meetings with Town before that run.
Grimsby have won each of their last two away Football League games against Walsall.
Those two victories equal the number of wins Town recorded across their previous 30 away Football League attempts against the Saddlers between November 1897 and August 2023.
Walsall have lost just one of their last 13 opening home league games of a season, winning nine and drawing three.
The Mariners' 1-0 victory over Exeter last weekend means Town will be looking to win their opening two Football League fixtures of a campaign for the first time since 2001/02.
Match Officials
Matthew Russell will take charge of Saturday's fixture, with Oliver Nolan and Robert Evans appointed as assistant referees and Zachary Cunningham named as fourth official.
Russell officiated 25 matches last season, issuing 57 cautions and four red cards.
League standing: 8th in League Two, 4 pts, 1W-1D-0L from 2 games, recent form DW.
Goals this season: 1 scored, 0 conceded (+1 goal difference).
Title race: 2 points behind leaders Barnet.
Ahead of a run of games you can check on our fixtures page.
Enjoy the trip, Mariners, and get behind the Town as we head to Walsall!
