Freeview | Watch Today’s Pre Stevenage Press Conference

Grimsby Town manager Michael Jolley has highlighted the importance of starting on the front foot in Good Friday’s Sky Bet League Two clash with Stevenage at Blundell Park (3pm).

Town host Dino Maamria’s side, who are 16th in the league, and Jolley praised the Boro’s attacking players, who include strikers Alex Revell and Danny Newton.

Speaking on iFollow Mariners, he said: “They’re a good side – they’ve had some good results this season – their front two are well-established, and work very hard. That sets them off from the top end of the pitch.

“Dino Maamria has gone in there as a new manager, and he’ll have his own ideas on how to set them up.

“And much like myself, he’ll be trying to have an impact very quickly, so we expect a tough match but it’s the kind of match that we want – it’s a home match, and we want to play on the front foot and try and get the win.”

Jolley emphasised the importance of the Mariners staying patient and continuing to work hard in order to turn their current form around, and ensure EFL survival.

“We know the job that we have to do and we understand, that if we don’t do that job, what the consequences are.

“I expect – between now and the end of the season – there to be lots of ups and downs where teams around us win, they lose, they draw.

“And we have to concentrate on what we can effect, which is our own performances and, ultimately, our own results.

“I’m still very positive that, if we do our jobs well, we can be successful in what we’re trying to do this season.

“We showed earlier in the season – when the team was riding high in the table – that we’ve got some good players, and we’re capable of good performances.

“And we’re capable of producing results against anyone in the division. Clearly it’s been some time since we’ve got that victory, but we’re desperate to put that right as quickly as possible,” he said.

And the Town boss praised Sean McAllister, who played his first league game since May 2017 in last weekend’s 4-0 defeat at Coventry City.

“I think he did quite well. Certainly the first-half I thought we were right in the game, and Sean played his part in that.

“It was only really that after (Sean) and Martyn (Woolford) had come off that we started to lose our shape somewhat.

“Sean did well in the game last week and he’s available for selection again this week.”

Jolley hopes that Walsall loanee striker Simeon Jackson will be training with the squad next week, and could be available for the clash with Chesterfield at Blundell Park on April 7.

Ben Davies is unlikely to appear in Town’s Easter fixtures against Stevenage on Good Friday or Wycombe Wanderers on Easter Monday, following a calf strain.

Karleigh Osborne, Mitch Rose, and Luke Summerfield have taken part in some training sessions this week, but are doubts for the Stevenage clash.

Scott Vernon and Jamille Matt also have slight ankle and hip knocks, respectively.

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