Hull City v Grimsby Town – More games the merrier for Grant McCann’s in-form Tigers

BRING IT ON: Hull City manager Grant McCann. Picture: Simon Hulme

The group stages of the Football League Trophy is hardly a grand platform for the first 21st Century meeting between two east coast rivals when Grimsby Town travel to the KCOM Stadium this evening, but at least there is something riding on it.

A draw will put the Tigers into December’s last 32, whereas only a win will do for the Mariners. Either way Harrogate Town, currently second in the group, will not progress.

The competition is seen by many as an unwanted distraction even in normal times with saner fixture lists, but coach McCann has built a formidable squad and sees tonight as another good opportunity to use it.

IN-FORM: Striker Mallik Wilks is congratulated after scoring the opening goal for Hull City against Burton on Saturday. Picture: Simon Hulme

“It is perfect because we have got a reasonably-sized squad and we want to keep trying to play games,” he said.

“This competition is something I won as a player (with Peterborough United in 2013-14) and I have been to a final (with Scunthorpe United in 2009) and it is an unbelievable competition. I know there’s (probably) not going to be fans there. We are hoping and praying that they are.

“But to play at Wembley – regardless of what people think of the competition – is an unbelievable occasion. You don’t get that chance very often in a lifetime.

“It would be great to go far in the competition and see if we can get to the final, but we have got lots of games before that. We need to take care of Grimsby first.

“The competition splits people’s opinions, but it’s an opportunity to get more minutes into players’ legs.”

Eager to keep his side ticking over for a promotion push which sees his side a point behind leaders Peterborough with a game in hand, McCann will be demanding a fourth straight win from his side.

“We don’t go into a game trying to get a point, we will be trying to win,” he promised. “I am sure Grimsby will be saying the same. There’s some financial reward comes with it as well. It is big for a club like Grimsby, but also big for us.”

Doncaster Rovers and Bradford City failed to qualify from Group F.

Hull’s December 29 match at home to Lincoln City will now kick off at 7pm.

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