AFC Telford United

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Grimsby v AFC Telford

AFC Telford United manager Andy Sinton knows his side face a tricky away day at Grimsby Town in the Blue Square Bet Premier on Saturday.

The Mariners drew 2-2 with Barrow in their last encounter but had been in fine goal-scoring form prior to that match with a 6-0 win over Bath City and a 5-2 thrashing of Alfreton after their 1-0 victory over Cambridge United.

The Bucks, meanwhile, have won once in their last four ties, although they come off the back of a hard-earned 2-2 draw with Stockport County.

Sinton singled out Grimsby's Liam Hearn as one to watch with the striker having already scored 25 goals this season.

The AFC boss told This is Grimsby: "It's a very tough game, they are a very good side.

"I thought at the start of the season that they would do well because I knew what they had in their armoury and what they had to spend.

"They've got some good players and they are particularly potent up front.

"We know all about the lad Liam Hearn from playing Alfreton last season and I really thought he would have gone up into the League - he's already got over 20 goals, he's a real live-wire and I know clubs are watching him."

Joint Grimsby boss Rob Scott, meanwhile, is preparing his side for what he believes will a hard-fought encounter - their first against Telford in the top-flight.

Scott said: "Telford were always a team that had a good squad at Conference North level.

"They were strong and well-organised.

"I think they have the incentive for players to go there with the surroundings. It's a lovely stadium there.

"We always thought it would be between Telford, Boston and Guiseley who would go up in the play-offs.

"They were the ones that did that and they are a good side.

"We watched them in the semi-final against Nuneaton which was a tough game but they came out on top.

"I think they have adjusted well; maybe a bit better than Alfreton due to having more experience in their side from this level."

Sinton must do without midfielders Phil Trainer and Richard Davies, who are suspended but Bristol City loan striker Marlon Jackson is fit while ex-Mariner Adam Proudlock remains sidelined with a the broken ankle.

Grimsby, meanwhile, have striker Anthony Elding fit again after he picked up a knock in the with Barrow, leaving Rob Scott and Paul Hurst with an otherwise fully-fit to choose from.