Grimsby Town manager Michael Jolley hopes the black and white army will give ex-strikers Padraig Amond and Jamille Matt a good reception at Blundell Park on Saturday (3pm).

The Mariners host Michael Flynn’s Newport County this weekend, with the aim of making it two Sky Bet League Two wins on the bounce for the first time in 2019.

And Jolley hopes ex-Mariners Amond, who scored 35 goals as Town gained promotion back to the EFL in 2015-16, and Matt, who scored four goals last season, will receive a good reception from both sets of supporters this weekend.

Speaking on iFollow Mariners, he said: “They’re both really good players. I know Jamille better because I worked with him, and he scored that vital goal for us against Notts County last season to help us stay up so we thank him for that.

“And he’s had a very good season down there – he’s really kicked on and had a positive year so he’s a big threat.

“And Padraig Amond – people know probably better than me, but – his goal record here was fantastic, he was a good person from what I understand, and a good player certainly.

“And hopefully the Grimsby Town fans will give them both a good reception on Saturday.

“They’re a team that’s had a good season so far, and certainly a dangerous opponent for us.

“All we’re thinking about is playing Newport on Saturday, and there are three points available in that match so we go one step at a time.

“And let’s see how can do against Newport on Saturday, and everything else after that will take care of itself.”

And Jolley said the Mariners have been working hard to ensure they don’t receive another red card this weekend.

He said: “We’ve been quite hard to score against when we have had 10, so I think the defensive side of our game is good – we’ve got some good defenders, and the lads at the front work hard to press.

“That’s credit to the players and the way they’ve been organised and hard-working, and stuck to the task when they have been down to 10.

“We’ve had eight red cards which is too many, but I think if you look at it, actually, some of those decisions have been somewhat harsh, certainly Wes Thomas’ down at Newport was a strange one.

“We certainly need to try and keep 11 on the pitch to give ourselves the best chance.

“We’ve spoken a little bit about it, and I don’t think we’re a nasty team or one which particularly makes dangerous tackles.

“So we need to be smart, in terms of how we defend and how we compete, and make sure we don’t end up with more red cards.”

Harry Clifton is in contention to return to the squad for the game, following his ankle injury, and Danny Collins also has a chance to be involved.