Newport County are aiming to put former Cardiff City manager Russell Slade under increasing pressure this weekend.
Slade’s Mariners are in need of their first win in seven League Two matches and they have earned only two points from a possible 18.
Exiles manager Michael Flynn and his team have a huge FA Cup fourth round tie against Spurs during February, but County must focus on their next three matches.
The clash with Harry Kane’s Tottenham will be a massive day, but Newport’s priority must be League Two and they play Grimsby away plus Crawley Town and Morecambe, both at home, before Spurs come to South Wales.
Slade is under growing pressure at Grimsby and badly needs a win against Newport, while Flynn says: “Russell as a manager has been there, seen it, done it so I’m sure he’s been in worse situations than this and pulled through.
“I’m hoping that they do it after Saturday and I’ll be going there looking to get another three points.
“Grimsby is a tough place to go, they have good players and it was a tough game at Rodney Parade.”
Padraig Amond scored the only goal of the match against Grimsby in Newport and Flynn’s men would love to complete a League double.
Newport make a near 500 miles trip to Lincolnshire and back for their clash with Grimsby.
“It is one of the furthest trips, but the league is our bread and butter,” Flynn added.
“We’ve got to be professional, got to keep concentrating and I’m sure they will because I’ve got a great group here as I keep saying.
“It’s League Two, it’s a tough, tough game. If we’re not up to it then we’ll get beaten.
“It’s as simple as that – I’m not getting carried away with anything because we need to be on our mettle every game, game in game out.”
County have earned almost £300,000 during their cup run, including £144,000 from like television coverage.
They have also earned a bonus from the sale of Lee Evans from Wolves to Sheffield United. The fee is a reported £750,000 and Newport will receive 15 per cent of the fee – £112,000.
Evans, 23, spent the first half of this season on loan at League One Wigan.
Flynn, though, is focused on the Grimsby challenge and knows a win would send them into back-to-back home matches full of confidence.
Grimsby has signed striker Charles Vernam on loan from Derby County until the end of the season and he is set to make his debut in the home game against Newport.
Winger Siriki Dembele (hip) is doubtful and goalkeeper James McKeown remains sidelined due to a groin injury.
Forward Aaron Williams has left Newport County by mutual consent.
The 24-year-old signed for Newport from Peterborough United in a year ago.