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.
