Harambee Stars midfielder Clarke Oduor will be hoping to play a key role on Friday night when Grimsby Town travel to the Peninsula Stadium to face Salford City in the decisive second leg of the League Two playoff semi-final.
With a place at Wembley Stadium up for grabs, the Mariners head into the clash needing to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit after a frustrating afternoon at Blundell Park.
Despite taking the lead inside the opening minute through a stunning Reece Staunton volley, Grimsby were eventually punished by Salford’s aggressive attacking approach and controversial late winner.
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David Artell’s side will feel they still have every chance of turning the tie around, especially considering the strong form they showed towards the end of the regular season.
Grimsby won seven of their final 10 league matches and finished the campaign as one of the division’s most entertaining attacking sides, scoring 75 league goals , the joint second-highest tally in League Two.
Oduor, who has featured regularly in recent weeks, has become an important part of Grimsby’s attacking transitions thanks to his composure in possession, direct running and ability to operate between the lines. The Kenyan midfielder will be eager to influence what is undoubtedly one of the club’s biggest matches of the season.
The Mariners can also draw confidence from their earlier meetings against Salford this campaign, having completed a league double over the Ammies before the playoffs. Their 2-0 away victory earlier in the season showed they are capable of handling the atmosphere at the Peninsula Stadium, while their aggressive pressing game has previously caused Salford plenty of problems.
The hosts, however, carry momentum into the second leg after their comeback victory in the opening encounter. Karl Robinson’s men responded impressively after conceding early and now sit 90 minutes away from a trip to Wembley.
Salford narrowly missed out on automatic promotion on the final day of the season and are desperate to avoid another year in League Two. Their physicality in midfield, combined with the experience of players like Fabio Borini, gives them a dangerous edge heading into the decisive contest.
What time does Salford City vs Grimsby Town start?
Kick-off is at 10:15 PM (EAT) on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Peninsula Stadium.
Salford City vs Grimsby Town team news
Salford City have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the second leg and are expected to stick with the same lineup that secured victory in the first meeting. Fabio Borini could push for a starting role after appearing from the bench at Blundell Park.
The hosts will still be without Jorge Grant, Kadeem Harris, Ossama Ashley and Zach Awe.
For Grimsby Town, Clarke Oduor will once again be hoping for involvement after becoming a regular feature in recent matches , having also started the first leg of the play offs.
David Artell could make slight tactical adjustments as the Mariners search for goals and attempt to force their way back into the tie.
Jamie Walker is pushing for a place in midfield alongside Clarke Oduor, while Irish attacker Jaze Kabia is expected to continue leading the attacking threat after an impressive season in front of goal.
Grimsby remain without Evan Khouri, George McEachran, Tyrell Sellars-Fleming and Doug Tharme.
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Predicted Lineups
Salford City possible starting XI: Young; Mnoga, Oluwo, Cooper, Garbutt; Graydon, Butcher, Austerfield, Borini; Cesay, Udoh
Grimsby Town possible starting XI: Smith; Rodgers, Kacurri, McJannet, Staunton; Turi; Amaluzor, Oduor, Walker, Kabia; Cook
Salford City vs Grimsby Town head to head record previous meeting and current form
Salford City claimed a narrow 2-1 victory in the first leg despite Grimsby taking an early lead through Staunton. However, before the playoff clash, the Mariners had already beaten Salford twice during the regular season, including a 2-0 win away from home.
Current form also suggests this tie remains finely balanced. Grimsby ended the regular season strongly with seven wins from their final 10 matches, while Salford have remained unbeaten in their last four outings.
The Ammies have been solid at home throughout the campaign, but Grimsby’s attacking quality means the contest is far from over heading into Friday night.
Salford City vs Grimsby Town prediction
This is expected to be another tense and physical playoff battle with both sides likely to approach the match cautiously during the opening stages.
Grimsby will need to take risks as they chase the tie, which could leave spaces for Salford to exploit on the counterattack.