Argyle's Emirates FA Cup campaign gets under way on Saturday, at Blundell Park, home of Grimsby Town.
Last season, Argyle made it to the fourth round, getting past Sheffield Wednesday, Rochdale and Birmingham City before a memorable day out at Stamford Bridge, losing to Chelsea after extra-time.
Grimsby, a Vanarama National League side at the time, lost in the first round against Kidderminster, but the season was a success for the Mariners, as they gained promotion back to Sky Bet League Two at the first attempt, following relegation in 2021.
The circumstances of Grimsby's promotion were remarkable. In the play-off quarter-finals, Town scored an equaliser deep into injury time, then an extra-time winner. The semis saw another extra-time victory, but only after drawing 4-4 with Wrexham in 90 minutes. In the final, against Solihull Moors, it once again took an additional 30 minutes for Grimsby, but Jordan Maguire-Drew scored in the 111th minute to send Paul Hurst's side up.
Hurst is in his second spell at Grimsby boss, and this was the second time he had achieved promotion from the National League, having done so in 2016. Soon after that promotion, Hurst left for Shrewsbury Town, and also managed Ipswich Town and Scunthorpe United before his return to Blundell Park in late 2020.
This season, Grimsby sit 13th in League One, with six wins, five draws and five defeats. They have lost their last two fixtures, away to Barrow and Hartlepool United.
Former Argyle forward Ryan Taylor is a fixture in the frontline, and has scored three times this season. He played 98 times for Argyle between 2017 and 2020.
Midfielder Harry Clifton is Grimsby's top goalscorer this season with five goals. Fellow midfielder Gavin Holohan has three.
Schumacher Says
“They are going to be desperate to put a mark against us. They have nothing to lose. I remember going to their ground as a player a few times, it is always a tough place to go. They get a good crowd. We are expecting a tough game.
“Paul Hurst is their manager, who we know a little bit about. He did really well in League One with Shrewsbury, and previously at Grimsby Town, and he’s gone back there.
"He always has his teams really well organised, and they are always a fit team.
“They have a threat on the counter-attack. They have Ryan Taylor playing up front for them, who we know at Argyle."
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased on the day. Supporters can pay cash on the turnstile or by cash or card from the Ticket Office.
Any tickets yet to be collected can be picked up at Blundell Park, from the Harrington 2 Turnstile s15-18.
Argyle TV
Unfortunately, competition regulations prevent us from video streaming the match live in domestic or international territories via Argyle TV. As a result of these factors there will therefore be no video coverage of the clash with the Mariners.
The audio stream, with commentary from Charlie Price and former Argyle forward Ian Stonebridge, will become available to connect to from an hour before kick-off, and supporters can simply click the audio button under the media player to get started.
Argyle TV’s pre-match show will be available to watch on the club’s YouTube and Facebook page from 2pm. Join Charlie and Ian as they build-up to kick off.
Audio match passes are on sale now priced £2.50. Click here for more info on Argyle TV.
