IT'S the kind of potential banana skin that Grimsby Town fans have become all too wary of.
This afternoon's visit of Havant & Waterlooville in the Second Round of the FA Trophy might look a good draw on paper.
But, to coin a well-used phrase from former Telegraph Football Writer David Pye "football isn't played on paper, it's played on grass."
The Hawks come to North East Lincolnshire in decent form, with just one defeat in six matches and a victory over Braintree in the last round to their name.
True, Lee Bradbury's side remain just outside the Conference South drop-zone, but the ex-Bournemouth boss seems to be turning things around following his arrival in October.
And many of the former Manchester City forward's young squad will see today's clash as the ideal 'shop window' to showcase their skills and, maybe, help them earn a move up a level or two.
Former QPR trainee Christian Nanetti is one who will be targeting a return to the pro game. The 21-year-old winger made a big impact following his arrival at West Leigh Park in March and has more tricks than Paul Daniels.
Chelsea are amongst those supposedly keeping tabs on 20-year-old striker Ollie Jones, who has netted 26 time since signing for the Hawks last year.
Fellow forward Scott Jones, 22, is another to watch, while goalscoring midfielder Steve Ramsey is aiming to get back into league football after being released by Portsmouth.
However, all that should be irrelevant if – and it's a big if – Grimsby Town play to their potential.
In simple terms, it's one of the Conference's top sides at home to strugglers from the division below.
It should be easy to call and the bookies – who don't often get it wrong – have the Mariners as 2/5 favourites.
But, as the First Round encounter with Buxton showed, Town don't always have it their own way against lesser opposition.
The hosts boasted a three-man attack that day.
But it all came to nothing as the Northern Premier League battlers frustrated Town and forced an unwanted replay.
That inability to break down the part-timers remains a concern.
On a positive note, though, ten goals in the Mariners' last three league matches at Blundell Park show they have the creativity to unlock visiting defences.
They will need to unleash more of that attacking flair to break down a determined Hawks outfit later today.
HAVANT & Waterlooville fans are hoping their 'lucky' pink kit does the trick again.
The Hawks have worn the unusually bright strip in their two FA Trophy victories this campaign, and look set to don it again today at Blundell Park.
Here's hoping it's the only dazzling aspect of the visitors' display!
