PAUL Hurst says this afternoon's (5.15pm) clash with Newport County will have no bearing on a potential play-off semi-final with the Welshmen.
Two of the Conference's form sides could come face-to-face in three successive matches over the next nine days.
With Justin Edinburgh's men assured of a third-place finish, the Mariners will be up against the Exiles again on Wednesday, at Blundell Park, if they better Wrexham's result today.
That first leg semi-final clash would be followed by the second installment in South Wales on Sunday, April 28.
But, with both sides poised to rest a host of players ahead of the play-offs, Town joint boss Hurst says nothing can be read into today's result.
"I would be surprised if this afternoon's game had any bearing on a potential semi-final next week," he said.
"Everything is up in the air in terms of who we're going to play and what team Newport will bring to play against us.
"And if they put out their strongest team and we don't but get the result, what does that tell you?
"I'm sure that the players will still be committed on both sides – whoever has got the shirts on – but will it have an impact on Wednesday night? Probably not.
"For Newport, they'll be familiar with the ground, the pitch and changing rooms, but other than that it won't have too much relevance.
"It would have a far different feel to it on Wednesday night – I can promise you that."
The Mariners head into the clash protecting an eight-match unbeaten record, while County have gone nine games without defeat.
"Newport had a fantastic start to the season and were the front-runners for a long time, had a bit of a dip and then came back strongly," added Hurst.
"They're up there on merit. Over 46 games you ultimately end up in the position where you deserve be.
"They've brought some good players into their club. They've got plenty of experience there, a lot of older guys in the team, and they've certainly got goals in them.
"So they're a big threat when it comes to the play-offs whoever they're up against."
