Grimsby boss expecting ‘tight and cagey’ final day play-off decider against AFC Wimbledon

Grimsby boss David Artell is expecting a cagey affair on Saturday in their final day battle for a play-off spot against AFC Wimbledon.

The Dons, sixth in League Two, head to Blundell Park knowing a point would be enough to secure their place in the top seven.

Grimsby are eighth and need to beat the South Londoners to leapfrog them in the hunt for a play-off spot.

Wimbledon will be without Johnnie Jackson in the dugout after he was sent off in their 2-0 defeat to Port Vale last Saturday.

Artell said: “If you had said to us in August: ‘You have one game to get into the play-offs,’ I would have snatched your hand off.

“If you had said the same in February and March, or April, we would have said the same.

“We hope there are a few more twists and turns in our season before Saturday. 

“It was a real tough game down at Wimbledon and we managed to edge it with a goal. It played out as we expected it to. 

“We’re hoping that it’s tight and cagey. We hope we can get a little bit of quality from some of our players to get some goals.

“You only have to win by one and with the clarity of our situation allows, hopefully that will be enough.

“It’s probably the biggest game this football club has had in its recent history and it’s one we’re all looking forward to.

“Hopefully we have got 90 more minutes to show we’re worthy of a play-off place.”

PICTURE: ALAMY