RESIDENTS in Bradley village are keeping a close eye on rising flood water, as rain is forecast to continue across North East Lincolnshire.

A dozen homes have been left isolated in the village since Thursday night, as flooding has submerged part of the road on Church Lane making it impassable.

Crews from Humberside Fire and Rescue were on the scene yesterday, to pump away excess water into nearby fields but to no avail as the rain kept on coming.

Today a North East Lincolnshire tanker has flushed out drains on the road which residents say has taken some of the water away.

However with the Met Office forecasting tonight to be cloudy with outbreaks of rain across Yorkshire and Humber, villagers are still on guard.

Amy Greensmith, of Church Lane, said: "I cannot park my car in front of my house so I have been staying at my sister's in Grimsby.

"The flooding is bad but luckily all the drives along this road are on a slant so our homes are higher up and not affected.

"There are elderly people on this road who are cut off because of the flood.

"I just hope the rain stops soon as no matter how hard the council or fire crews flush water away, the road will just continue to flood."

Keep checking here for further updates

ROSS Hannah has paid tribute to the Grimsby Town fans and said he'll 'never forget' the Wrexham game.

In what was the final game of his loan spell from Bradford City, the frontman signed off in style against the Welsh side by grabbing the winning goal that moved the Mariners back to the top of the Conference table.

That 78th-minute strike was Hannah's 10th goal of his stay in Cleethorpes – a tally which means he is the club's top-scorer.

Town chiefs are currently locked in negotiations with the Bantams to retain the services of the 26-year-old on a permanent basis.

But joint boss Paul Hurst has admitted that the clubs are 'a little way apart' adding that a move was not looking likely.

If the Yorkshire man has indeed played his last game in a black and white shirt, he has left the fans in no doubt as to how much he has enjoyed his time at Town.

After the game, Hannah took to Twitter and told his followers: "What a night – great win, top of league and scored the winner.

"If that was my last game at Blundell Park, I will never forget it – enjoyed every minute! Thoroughly enjoyed my time there – great club, fans and the lads are top drawer. I wish you all the best for the rest of the season."

THE halfway stage of the Express Appliances Intermediate Snooker League is upon us and Icing Cabin remain the team to beat.

However, it was not to be for Carr Lane Social A as, despite sharing the first two frames, the Cabin chalked up yet another victory.

Lewis Singleton, John Steel, John Parker and Steve Singleton were too hot for their opponents as the Icing Cabin stayed well clear going into the break with a 5-1 win.

It was also a 5-1 win for second-placed Ray Edmonds B who were indebted to Lee Plant – knocking in a lovely 67 – Nige Otter, Alan Edmonds (45) and Tony Miller in a very solid team performance against Peter Hogarth & Sons. Mick Ponsonby also contributed a 40.

Two contenders faced each other when Hainton B travelled to Locate and it was a starring performance from home captain Nige Emmerson – with breaks of 45, 38 and 38 – that was the difference as Locate Supplies won 4-2.

The team of the moment, though, has to be Birds Eye who haven't lost for two months and, after beating Ray Edmonds A this week, find themselves joint third in the table.

Jamie Richardson, pictured, and Daz Potter had opened the scoring for the Edmonds team but then Paul Leggett, Tony Jagger, Chris Madsen, Tony Ward, Gary Avison and Gary Camburn took all the remaining frames as Birds Eye won 5-1.

Gas Man were hoping to pick up the points at Clee Cons C but they had to settle for a draw.

In the first match, a 41 from Ashley Wright was responded to by a 39 from Damon Gresham as they tied their frames. On the other table, Scott Long hit a 49 on the way to a 2-0 win partnered by Dan Mumby. Tony Forster and Simon Burley hit back for Cons as they won 2-0.

Alec Cowie and Byron Hatfield put Westlands D 3-1 up away at fellow strugglers, Clee Home Guard, but they could not clinch a win as Keith Southwell and Fred Parker won 2-0.

Webbonet beat Ray Edmonds S 5-1 with John Parrott, Ken Payne, Dave Webster and Brian Hotson winning 2-0. West End B beat Clee Cons A 5-1.

In section B, leaders Cambridge F bounced back from last week's defeat in style as they easily overcame Carr Lane Social B 5-1.

John Philipson and Nick Mason won 2-0 on one table, while Craig Allerston and Garry White did the same thing on the other to make it 4-0.

Dave Robinson and Danny Barrass made it 5-0 before Ken Ramsden and Paul Kirk took the final frame to avoid the slam.

The only slam of the week came as Westlands Heating hammered Cambridge Graduates.

Chris Yull, Stuart Wilkinson, Keith Board, Robbie Bell, Paul and Richard Claridge won their frames to set them up for a promotion push in the new year.

Phil Marshall, Richard Grant, Keith Fountain and Andy Savage won 2-0 as Ray Edmonds D stayed in the hunt with a 5-1 win over struggling Clee Bowls Juniors.

Grimsby Police B are now unbeaten in eight but they were made to work for it as Dave Page and Ian Hunter put West End D 2-0 up.

Jim Wood and Paul Dixon pulled one back but then Steve Donner and Dave McMullen made it 3-1. Sandy Young and Big George Walters then took the last two frames to rescue a draw.

The final match between Westlands C and West End C also ended up all square.

CHRISTMAS is a time for giving – and what better way to do it than turning your home into a winter wonderland for charity?

This is exactly what Melanie Summers did to her property in Beverly Close, Holton-le-Clay, over the weekend.

The mum-of-four – who says she has always loved Christmas – decided to pledge her support to well-known Grimsby marathon runner Surinder Fowler.

Melanie helps run Twinkles fancy dress shop in Cleethorpes with her mother and knows Surinder as a regular customer.

"She is always coming in for costumes for various fundraising event," she said.

"Every time I see her, she is helping out others, so I thought as it is Christmas it would be nice to do something for her."

Surinder, who will be going to South Africa for a marathon in June, helps raise money through her running for Diabetes UK, Sense and children who are supported through the Grimsby Telegraph.

Melanie said: "With the help of my family and friends, we turned our house into a winter wonderland with lights, inflatable festivities and plenty of entertainment. We all dressed up as well, including my partner, who acted as Santa for the event."

The fundraiser provided people with hot dogs, drinks, cakes and more.

For Melanie, the most important part was that the children got to see Father Christmas. She said: "There are a lot of people who cannot afford to go to events and pay money for children to see Santa.

"This fundraiser was free to attend; all we asked for was a donation to Surinder's fund.

"We hope to do something like this again."

THIS adventurous young woman is preparing to take the biggest step of her life – climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Alex Price, 19, of Healing, will be raising money for Childreach International on the trek in August next year.

The Leeds University student was inspired to take on the challenge by the organisation's work to improve the education and health of children in Tanzania.

"I'm looking forward to meeting some of the children out there," she said. "On our second day of the trip, we get to go to a school and I am so excited to see what all the money raised by the charity goes towards.

"I've never really done anything like this before and I kind of felt like it was my turn to do something charitable."

Alex enjoys the outdoors and is a keen snowboarder. She has also taken part in schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh award.

"This is going to be a massive adventure," she continued. "I'm going to have to do a lot of training for it but it's going to be so worth it. I plan to climb the three peaks in the spring.

"We're scheduled to arrive at the top of the mountain at sunrise and the view of Africa we get to see is going to be incredible.

"My main concern is getting something like altitude sickness. The surroundings will be different to what I'm used to so I am a bit worried about that but I'm going to visit The Altitude Centre in London to try and get used to it."

Alex aims to raise at least £2,500 and is already well on her way after a generous £1,000 donation from JCB.

Support Alex

To donate to Alex's challenge, visit www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alexclimbskili

AN AWARD ceremony has praised the hard work of people with disabilities in North East Lincolnshire.

The Foresight Achievement Awards recognise the work of service users and staff at the Newmarket Street centre.

There were 25 categories and more than 65 nominees in this year's ceremony, held at Grimsby Central Hall.

The winner of the Overcoming Barriers to Learning Award, Josh Benetton, pictured right, has broken down barriers that prevented him taking part in activities and is now focused in class.

The 20-year-old, of Grimsby, said: "I have been nominated two years in a row now.

"It shows that I am trying very hard.

"I am getting on with my life and this awards ceremony is where we come to show what we have learned this year."

Friends, family and staff packed out the Central Hall to show their support for Foresight and the work that it does.

Supporting Learners nominee, Robert Shadlock, 51, of Tom Hammond Way, Grimsby, said: "I help out with the service users. I have been a volunteer for two years and I like to help out.

"I make sure that everyone feels equal and happy.

"Just because everyone has a disability doesn't mean they can't do things.

"These awards are very important and if it wasn't for Foresight a lot of people wouldn't have anywhere to go.

George Martin, 71, works for Foresight and was nominated for Volunteer of the Year.

George has been volunteering for around 30 years and works as the main bus escort.

He said: "I was a bit embarrassed to be nominated because I felt there were a lot more people who were more worthy. It would be nice to win but I'm more than happy just to have been nominated"

George's son Chris, 33, was also nominated for an award for Most Improved Learner. Chris is described as always giving 100 per cent effort in his classes. He said: "I'm really happy to be nominated especially because I like to have my photo taken."

Kieran Hayes, of Queensway, Grimsby, was nominated for the Overcoming Barriers to Participation award. Kieran has become more involved in activities with others and acts as a mentor to younger members at Foresight.

The 14-year-old added: "I'm glad to have been nominated."

Kolar Gharib, 57, of Grimsby, was nominated for Volunteer of the Year. She was also nominated for the award in 2009 and has been working at Foresight for four years.

She said: "I see it as a thank you, I don't volunteer to receive an award but it's nice to be appreciated.

"Everyone here puts in so much effort and do deserve some attention sometimes."

Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Mike Burton said: "The hard work of everyone at Foresight needs acknowledging.

"Foresight is very important and the service they provide is truly amazing.

"The awards event demonstrates what can be achieved.

"Everyone involved from volunteers to centre users should be praised."

BUSINESS Telegraph begins its festive break today.

The daily page will reappear in the first full week of the new year – on Monday, January 7 – with the next monthly supplement to be published on Tuesday, January 15.

Morrison's arrival in seafood manufacturing, Young's consolidation of considerable operations into the town, Centrica's launch in renewable energy operations and maintenance and the work beginning on Grimsby's huge £25 million riverside car terminal have been clear highlights, while Kimberly-Clark's shock announcement that it is to close the Barton plant was a particular low.

2012 has been a special year for several stalwarts of the area's business scene, with Port of Immingham, GBA Group, Clugston Construction and Sutcliffe Solloway all celebrating significant milestones.

And the success of both Ramsden International and Freshney Place at the British Chambers of Commerce Awards underlined the country-leading standards that can be found on our patch.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and all the very best for a prosperous new year.

It is a new dawn in which we eagerly await the decision from Government on the proposed Able Marine Energy Park – a resolution that could shine a very favourable light on 2013 and northern Lincolnshire's prospects in the renewable industry that Grimsby is already building a strong reputation in.

GUILT at committing burglary offences way back in 2004 played on a man's conscience so much that he decided to wipe the slate clean and confess to the police eight years later.

He walked into a police station in a bid to "take responsibility for his actions", told officers what he had done – and took a gamble by throwing himself on the mercy of the courts.

But he was rewarded when a judge praised him for wanting to make a "true fresh start" and decided not to lock him up.

Scott Gregory, 25, of Brookfield Road, Scartho, admitted burglary between December 28 and 30, 2004.

Gordon Stables, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that Gregory went to the town's police station on October 31 this year and said he wanted to admit two burglaries.

The details were married up to known burglaries. One of them was at a cottage in Waltham Road, Grimsby, in 2004 in which he stole car keys and took a car from outside. The vehicle was found a few days later but a mobile phone and memory stick were not recovered.

Gregory asked for a burglary in Grimsby Road, Waltham, from December 2004 to be considered, involving taking a car. It had been burned out by him in a bid to hide his fingerprints because he was not wearing gloves.

He also asked for an offence of taking a car without consent in July this year to be considered. He forced the car's door back, hot-wired the car and drove to Immingham.

Simon Hirst, mitigating, said the case was "truly exceptional" and there was no better demonstration of Gregory taking responsibility for his actions than going to the police station to confess.

Recorder Richard Woolfall told Gregory: "You would have got away with what you did. You did get away with it.

"You have gone back to the police station because you want to make a true fresh start. You have taken the view that you really do want to draw a line under your offending and you want to grow up.

"You must have known there was a chance of custody but that didn't stop you wanting to do the decent thing.

"You are in employment, working six days a week, and the progress you have made has been very good indeed."

Gregory was given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with a specified activity involving restorative justice.

Recorder Woolfall told him: "I hope that by dealing with you in this way, it may encourage others to do the same. Don't do anything daft in the next two years or you will start with eight months."

THOUSANDS of pounds has been given to Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital through bric-a-brac sales.

Life-saving devices, worth £64,000, have been bought over the past three years, thanks to the Cleethorpes Cancer Support Group.

The charity, with a shop in Seaview Street, has recently spent £3,350 on three observation monitors for the surgical day unit.

They help to monitor patients' pulse, blood pressure and oxygen levels and in the post-op ward, one is used every 30 minutes.

Charity volunteers are now appealing to the public as they look to the new year.

Lynn Wedlake, 68, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 34 years ago, is trustee and manager of the small independent shop, which separated from the Cancer Research charity in 2008.

She said: "In January we are looking to hand over a cheque of £5,000 for treatment of cancer of the oesophagus.

"Our aim after this is to raise a further £5,000 throughout 2013, for the same cause.

"We are always looking ahead at what department or area we can help next.

"If what we are doing can benefit and treat quickly those suffering cancer, then it is all worth while."

Medics have praised the charity, especially Mr Michael Tilston, consultant general surgeon, who operates on people with cancer of the oesophagus.

He said: "I am delighted that the support group has offered to raise money for us.

"The money will be used to buy the disposable equipment needed to treat patients using HALO – a form of cutting edge radio frequency ablation treatment.

"This equipment is making a real difference to the lives of people, as it means they potentially do not have to have major surgery to remove precancerous cells in the oesophagus/gullet as we can do it in a very non-invasive way now."

For Lynn helping the hospital is her way of saying thank you.

She said: "I am one of the lucky ones to have survived and I want others to have that opportunity.

"However, in order for us to continue raising money, we need the support of the public to send in unwanted items to the shop.

"From clothes, toys and books, anything that is in good condition we will gladly take."

Karen Jackson, chief executive of Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Our main aim is to provide high quality services for our patients, and it is wonderful to know that our local communities are supporting us in doing so."

HAS it really been a year already?

The first installment of Grimsby Town's festive double-header with rivals Lincoln City is now only a couple of days away – and I for one can't wait for it all to start again.

I'm sure no Town – or Lincoln fan for that matter – will need reminding that Paul Hurst and Rob Scott's men took six points off the Imps in the corresponding games last Christmas.

And given the run of form they're currently enjoying at the minute, who'd bet against them repeating that feat this time around?

Given their respective league positions, Town will go into this season's games as favourites, but the Imps will be determined to knock their high-flying county cousins off their lofty perch.

Admittedly, the derbies are certainly shaping up to be a tougher test for Town than they may have appeared just few weeks ago.

After a stuttering start to the season, David Holdsworth's men slipped to 22nd in the Blue Square Bet Premier table.

But City have turned a corner of late and have enjoyed notable victories over surprise package Dartford and Wrexham in recent weeks.

Town, on the other hand, have proved themselves to be genuine promotion contenders this season – hitting top spot on two occasions already – and fans will be relishing the prospect of lauding it over their fierce rivals.

As ever, they will be backed by a small army of travelling fans on Boxing Day; support that would have filled up more of Sincil Bank if given the chance.

It's a grievance that's sure to add extra spice to an already feisty affair.

But away from all the blood and thunder of the derbies, Scott and Hurst will not lose sight of the fact that crucial points to aid their side's promotion push are on offer.

Three, four or even six points from these two games will set the Mariners up well for a New Year's tilt at the Conference title, or a place in the play-offs at least.

After all, regardless of what happens in these next two games, the greatest victory that Town can enjoy over their bitter rivals is to leave them behind in the Blue Square Bet Premier at the end of the season.

Up the Mariners!

While we're on the subject of the Lincoln games, what a spectacle it's going to be to see Blundell Park and Sincil Bank populated by a gang of Black and White Santas.

Over the last week, the club have been offering the Mariners themed costumes for fans to wear at games over the festive period.

Some fans have knocked the initiative.

But it struck me as a great idea to spread a little festive cheer and capitalise on the good feeling that currently surrounds the club.

Here's hoping we see plenty of Mariner-mad Santas at the local derbies with Lincoln and the away trip to Mansfield that's sandwiched in between.

MEET North East Lincolnshire's oldest resident – she's 108 today!

Vera Rostron is spending the day with staff and other residents at the Farringford Residential Home, on Grimsby Road, in Cleethorpes.

Mrs Rostron has lived at the home for the last 12 years and is the 85th oldest person in Britain.

She believes there is no secret to living a long life but said: "I don't worry about things and just keep going.

"I also find that being happy is important.

"Over the years I don't really think I have changed much and I have still got my sense of humour – or I like to think so anyway.

"The only tip I can give anyone for living as long as me is to be as cheerful and happy as possible but there isn't really a secret."

Born in Castle Street, Grimsby, in 1904, Vera attended Harold Street School and would have gone on to further study had it not have been for the outbreak of the war.

Throughout her teens, Vera played the piano at the Oxford Street cinema, which was owned by her father, before marrying her late husband Wilfred in 1929.

After moving to Cleethorpes, Vera took up a caring role in her family, looking after her mother Lucy and other relatives, including her uncle who she nursed for 17 years.

A cake and presents will be presented to Vera from staff at the home.

Senior carer Amy Copley added: "Vera is a lovely person who is a pleasure to see everyday.

"She has a good sense of humour and is always kind to everyone.

"It is great to have the oldest woman in North East Lincolnshire living here.

"We are going to celebrate together with cake and presents.

"It is definitely going to be a special day but the thing about Vera is she never likes a lot of fuss no matter what the day is.

"Everyone here at Farringford Residential Home wants to wish Vera a very happy birthday and we hope there are many more to come."

Vera is also looking forward to Christmas Day because she is going to be taken out by friends.

TEN more worthy causes have shared more than £5,000 in donations from a memorial fund to the man who set up the Ross fishing empire – and there is still more to come.

The first batch of funding from the £50,000 John Ross MBE Community Trust Fund – set up after Mr Ross' death – was handed out to 11 beneficiaries in August 2011, after more than 100 requests were sent to the Telegraph.

And now, his widow Gill Ross has handed out 10 more cheques worth a total of £5,400 to local groups and charities, bringing the total awarded so far to more than £35,000. Among the latest to benefit from the fund were:

Care 4 All – £500

Grimsby Food Kitchen – £250

Duncombe Street Residents' Association – £500

Grimsby and District Fibromyalgia Support Group – £300

Nelson House Residents – £250

Scartho Community Garden – £500

Treats Lincolnshire – £200

Green Heart – £900

16th Grimsby (St James) Guides – £1,000

Immingham Amateur Boxing Club – £1,000

Gill, of Devonshire Avenue, visited all of the groups to personally hand over their grants and said that their work helps her feel positive again after losing her beloved husband in May 2011.

She added: "The people I have met are so passionate and energetic about the things they do to benefit our local community that you can't help but be inspired by it.

"I only wish that John could be here today to see it, as he always said 'If I can help someone, someway, I will' – and he was always true to his word.

"It is a real privilege to be able to decide where this money goes and to help local groups, as John was always passionate about this area, which everyone who knew him knows.

"Losing a partner is one of the hardest things anyone has to go through because, no matter how many friends and family members you have, the person you share everything with is gone.

"John was so interesting and good to talk to that every day was stimulating – but I no longer have that every day and it can be bitterly hard to accept.

"But speaking to these people and reading their letters about the importance of what they do and their enthusiasm for it has allowed me to be positive again."

John, who was High Steward of North East Lincolnshire, died aged 76, following a fall at his home. He had suffered from Parkinson's disease for several years.

In his younger years, John built up the highly successful Ross fishing empire, which was founded by his grandfather, Thomas, and was also on the board of Cosalt, where he was chief executive.

When he passed away, his son and Gill's stepson David pledged to allocate £50,000 to the John Ross MBE Community Trust Fund, with the possibility of extra money being added in the future by the David Ross Foundation.

Gill added: "There is still something left in the kitty and I look forward to reading about more good work from the people within our community who are like shining lights for many of us."

CHARITABLE youngsters braved the cold winter weather as they volunteered to sleep under the stars at the home of Grimsby Town FC.

Armed with cardboard to build shelters, graduates of Grimsby Town's National Citizen Service (NCS) scheme – a Government initiative to help 16 and 17 year-olds learn new skills – took up camp at Blundell Park in aid of two charities.

The event began after the final whistle of Grimsby Town's match against Wrexham on Friday night, helping raise money for St Andrew's Hospice and the homeless charity Doorstep.

Katherine Gooderham, 16, from Market Rasen, said it "opened her eyes".

"The situation really put things into perspective and made me realise that there are people who have no choice but to live on the streets," she said.

"This was not only about raising money but raising awareness of homelessness.

"I have never done something like that before and I would do it again for charity.

"It was fun to build our shelters, which helped to keep the cold out a bit.

"I got about an hour's sleep overall. By the morning, I was wearing four pairs of trousers, two jumpers, a coat, hat and gloves."

Hollie Nielsen, of Healing, had a rough night's sleep and said the event made her appreciate her own home.

The 18-year-old added: "You don't realise how good you have it until it's gone.

"There are people out on the streets tonight trying to find any shelter they can to stay warm.

"The sleepover was hard at times but I hope we have raised a lot of money for the two charities.

"I was surprised with how generous all the Grimsby Town fans were – they filled our buckets with money during half time."

A £1 MILLION advertising campaign will see one of Grimsby's biggest selling products back on our screens again in the new year.

The Saucy Fish Co, on the way to becoming a £40 million brand, has confirmed a second national television run, which begins on Wednesday, January 2.

Once again using animation, the "Saucy story" evolves further, with the plot taking its cues from life's perfect partnerships, translating them into the Saucy Fish world of home-cooked dining.

The commercial will air across mainstream national channels including ITV1, ITV2, Channel Five and Sky1 during prime advertising slots for the month, combining a 30-second version with a 10-second version.

Then from February 1, a seven-month sponsorship of niche channel Good Food is launched, with a 10-second sponsorship credit featuring real life inspiration rather than animation.

Simon Smith, head of brand at The Saucy Fish Co, said: "The new animated TV commercial, alongside proactive PR activity through traditional and social media channels, makes for a hugely exciting integrated campaign for 2013 and demonstrates the commitment we have to the chilled fish category and inspiring consumers to cook more with fish at home."

It was worked up as Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon praised the efforts of Grimsby's seafood sector in getting British people eating more seafood, when he toured brand creator Seachill's expansive facilities in October.

He declared the town a "real centre of excellence", as he watched the sauce sachets and salmon fillets packed and dispatched on Great Grimsby Business Park, stating how it was businesses with the consumer insight and ability to innovate that could spell out the health benefits of a fish diet far better than politicians.

More than 550 staff are employed by Seachill a division of Icelandic UK Ltd, which also owns Coldwater Seafood.

A six-month brand placement within the BBC Good Food magazine publication completes the high-profile strategy, that on a local level includes roadside signage along the A180 approach to the town centre.

Mr Smith said the advert will showcase pairings such as salmon fillet with a lime jalapeno glaze, and inspire people to create their own exciting combinations with help from the brand's consumer-focused website The Saucy Fish Dock.

For a preview, visit http://goo.gl/20zkG

DAVID Holdsworth has stoked the fires ahead of the Boxing Day duel with the Mariners by warning they face "a different club altogether."

The Lincoln City boss is desperate to make amends for last season's festive derby defeats which left the Imps nursing bruised egos.

But Holdsworth insists his side possess a much "fiercer mentality" this year compared to the side which lost twice 12 months ago.

"A year has made a huge difference in terms of how far we have progressed," he said.

"When I look back to the fixture last year, sending out an XI I could trust was difficult.

"I was crossing my fingers and hoping for what I would get rather than knowing what I was definitely going to get.

"We only had one fit forward for the game at Sincil Bank and we were shoving square pegs in round holes.

"But I do remember Josh Gowling taking a little knock on the head and going missing for a while.

"It affected his game and he had to go off, but there is a different type of texture in our dressing room now.

"In fact Grimsby will face a different club altogether."

Holdsworth was also quick to highlight the two clubs' apparent differences in budgets, ahead of the rivals' first meeting of the season.

"Grimsby Town have apparently got this, that and the other in terms of finance and we are the poor relation in terms of what we can actually afford," added the Imps boss.

"But there is no doubt about it, we will match anybody in spirit.

"We are at home and we have to do our fans proud, roll our sleeves up and if it means getting among them, then we will do.

"We will go into it fully loaded and, mark my words, we will be ready for them."