"TAMWORTH are a much better team than the neutrals that don't know too much give them credit for."
That's the message from Grimsby Town joint boss Paul Hurst ahead of tomorrow's encounter at the Lamb Ground.
The hosts head into the clash after three consecutive defeats in league and cup, but remain ninth in the Conference table – just five points adrift of the Mariners in the final play-off spot.
"Tamworth have improved and look to have thrown a bit more finance at it this year," said Hurst.
"As a result, they've attracted some good players – they've got Greg Taylor on loan from Luton and Adam Cunnington, who's a big lad and a handful, scoring goals for them.
"Tommy Wright is also there, and we know what happened when he came up against us for Luton.
"Along with that, they've got George Baldock in midfield who is impressing again. He played against us last year and looked a very good player."
He continued: "They're quite a big side but they can mix their game up which is a credit to Marcus (Law).
"We always feel that you need to be able to mix it. If you just play one way you become predictable and easier to play against.
"So it will be a tough game, and even before we arrived at the club Tamworth seemed to be a bogey team.
"Hopefully we can change that tomorrow – that's the aim, to get three points and get back to winning ways."
Last month's victory at Forest Green Rovers shows the threat Tamworth can offer, despite their inconsistent run of late.
"There was talk around our league pre-season that they could be the dark horses and it's still looking like they could be," he added.
"A lot of people just look at the name, Tamworth, and think that's an easy three points for us.
"That won't be the case and they're a much better team than the neutrals that don't know too much give them credit for.
"From our point-of-view, we want to get back to winning ways and cement our place towards the top end of the table."
As reported, the Mariners are without suspended pair Scott Neilson and Shaun Pearson for the match.
Meanwhile, midfielder Frankie Artus and centre-half Simon Ford picked up knocks in Town Reserves' 2-1 defeat at Wrexham this week.
"We'll have to check on them and see where they are," said Hurst. "But I don't think last Saturday's performance warrants mass changes.
"Greg Pearson also played in the Reserves and got on the scoresheet. It's good that he came through another 90 minutes, so he's pushing to be in contention.
"That competition in the striking areas can only be good for us."