Grimsby Town need to now feel full benefit of Wrexham AFC deal to boost play-off chance | OneFootball

Jordan Davies has struggled for fitness this season, but possesses the quality that can decide matches in an instant.

Grimsby Town moved into the play-off positions with a 1-0 victory over Newport County last weekend. That game also saw the return of Wrexham loanee Jordan Davies to the matchday squad following injury, and with some important fixtures on the horizon between now and May's season finale, David Artell will be hoping to see the very best of the talented Welshman, whose 2024/25 campaign has been punctuated by fitness-related setbacks so far.

The success against the Exiles at Blundell Park was a vital one, coming on the back of consecutive defeats to Notts County and Salford City that had stunted Artell's men's progress a little in their quest for a top seven finish.

The Mariners' form in general has been good of late, with the aforementioned losses being their only two over the last 11 matches, giving Grimsby, who were battling at the other end of the table this time last season, a genuine opportunity of promotion to the third tier for the first time in over two decades.

One of the key factors behind that has been some superb player recruitment and coaching on the training ground, both of which have seen the Mariners' boss transform his side dramatically in the last 12 months.

With strength in depth in many areas, Artell has improved his squad greatly over the last three transfer windows, not least in midfield, where he now has an embarrassment of riches to select from in the shape of George McEachran, Evan Khouri, Kieran Green, and new addition Géza Dávid Turi, among others.

One of those 'others' is Jordan Davies, a talented, creative presence in the engine room, signed last summer on a season-long loan from League One Wrexham.

A double promotion winner with the Welsh outfit, the 26-year-old possesses the quality to change a game in an instant, but it's something the Grimsby fanbase are yet to witness consistently.

The end-of-season run-in is the perfect time for Davies to shine in a Grimsby shirt

Persistent injuries have seen the attacking midfielder find it difficult to contribute regularly to the best of his ability during his time in North East Lincolnshire to date.

However, when available, he has proved he can be a difference-maker at League Two level, scoring four goals in his sixteen appearances in a Mariners shirt, including a match-winning free-kick against Cheltenham Town and the opener against Chesterfield.

The Wrexham man has a fantastic left-foot, seeing him capable of picking a pass, striking from distance, or finishing with aplomb. Davies also possesses real quality delivery from set-plays, and is very strong aerially for his size.

Artell would have liked to have the Welshman's skill-set available to him far more often over the last eight months, but his return at the business end of the season could be pivotal.

Grimsby have a play-off place in their own hands at this point, but face tough away matches at rivals Colchester United, Crewe Alexandra, and Port Vale, along with hosting AFC Wimbledon, too, in their final eight matches.

Davies' quality on the ball and his ability to decide a match with a moment of brilliance could prove crucial for the Mariners in what will be a very difficult, but ultimately decisive, run-in over the final few weeks of the campaign.

Midfielder's return a timely one amid Mariners injury troubles

A series of injuries, particularly in attacking areas, have made things difficult for Artell as he looks to steer his Grimsby side on a promotion push.

The Mariners have had just one fit striker available for weeks now, with Danny Rose being partnered by the likes of Jayden Luker and Luca Barrington as auxiliary forwards in the absence of Justin Obikwu, Charles Vernam, Donovan Wilson and Cameron Gardner, who have all been sidelined for a prolonged period of time.

Vernam is ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, while the other three are thought to still be some way making a return to the fold.

This means the heavy workload for Rose is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, with Luker and Barrington helping out. Davies provides another option to play just off the striker or in the 'number 10' role, which will be useful for the Grimsby boss as he looks to find ways to keep his side's attacking threat as fresh as possible in the absence of so many offensive players.

Mariners supporters have fleetingly seen how Davies can change a game in their favour over the 2024/25 season so far. They and Artell will be hoping his timely return from his latest fitness setback could provide the extra spark that makes all the difference in them achieving their goals.