Grimsby Town boss welcomes AFC Telford attacking ambitions

Joint Grimsby Town boss Rob Scott has encouraged AFC Telford United to come and have a go at Blundell Park tomorrow – insisting an open game will suit his side.

The Mariners have scored 41 league goals on their own patch this season - including last Saturday's 6-0 drubbing of Bath – a total which is more than any other professional team in Europe apart from Barcelona.

But Scott, who shares managerial duties with Paul Hurst, does not think the Bucks will try to play a defensive game.

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"The way some teams have come to Blundell Park recently, they haven't 'parked the bus' so much," said Scott.

"Bath came at us a little bit and the reports we have about Telford are that they will do the same. I think they will try and press us, get in our faces and try and make it as difficult as possible.

"That could suit us; in recent weeks we've stood up to that sort of challenge and mixed some good football in with that to create teams problems."

Telford go into the game sitting 18th in the Blue Square Bet Premier and just three points clear of the relegation zone.

But they have not dropped into the relegation zone all season and remain above Alfreton, the team who beat them to the Blue Square Bet Premier title last season.

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

"Their manager Andy Sinton has tried to bring in players with more physical size in recent weeks to try and stand up to the challenge at this level.

"The results haven't quite gone for them in the last couple of games but I'm sure they will come here keen to do well."

In-form Grimsby are not expected to have any major injury problems and could name an unchanged line-up from the one that drew 2-2 at Barrow on Tuesday.

Anthony Elding, strike partner to prolific top scorer Liam Hearn, suffered a dead leg in that game but has recovered in time to take on Telford.

See also:

• Andy Sinton still looking to plug gap at AFC Telford

• Ben Futcher has belief in AFC Telford squad