2023-24 FA Cup: First Round – Slough vs Grimsby

Slough Town face a difficult First Round tie against last season’s Quarter-Finalists, Grimsby Town at Arbour Park in 2023-24 FA Cup.

Victory would see Slough reach the Second Round for a ninth time in their history, whilst Grimsby look to avoid a third First Round exit in four seasons.

 

Team News

Slough hav no fresh injury concerns to report ahead of this match with top goalscorer, George Alexander a doubt after he missed their 3-3 draw away to Eastbourne Borough last weekend.

Grimsby will have loanees, Harvey Cartwright and Jamie Andrews available for selection, following permission from their parent clubs for both players to become cup-tied.

Charles Vernam (thigh) and Callum Ainley (calf) are both sidelined.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Slough Town host Grimsby Town at Arbour Park on Sunday 5 November in a 2pm GMT kick-off, untelevised live in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Slough’s first-ever meeting against Grimsby in all competitions.
• Grimsby are visiting Arbour Park for the first time in a competitive fixture.
• Five of Slough’s nine goals have been scored betwen Johnny Goddard and Nathan Minhas who have netted three and two goals respectively, whilst Josh Jackman, Matthew Lench, Dan Bayliss and Temi Eweka have scored one goal apiece.
• Grimsby have won two of their last five FA Cup ties against lower-league opposition (W2, L3), although they did take Salisbury City to a replay in Second Round of 2011-12 FA Cup.

 

Prediction

Despite their inconsistent league form, Slough have relished their cup run with wins over Hayes & Yeading United, Salisbury and Ebbsfleet so it is hard to predict what sort of performance to expect, especially after they drew 3-3 at Eastbourne last weekend.

Grimsby meanwhile have their own issues with just one win in their last ten games in all competitions but after enjoying a memorable cup run last season, they must summon that spirit and tighten up defensively if want to avoid a cupset.

I however wouldn’t be surprised if this game sees a few goals but the Mariners should have enough to scrape past their hosts.

Prediction: Slough 1-2 Grimsby

Result: Slough 1-1 Grimsby