POPULAR defender Carl Magnay may have "a soft spot" for Gateshead – but that won't stop him from plotting their FA Trophy downfall.
As reported, the 25-year-old is expected to return to the Grimsby Town starting XI for today's Second Round clash at Blundell Park (3pm).
But while Magnay was missing from the defeat to Macclesfield through injury, he wants to keep up his impressive run of form.
He said: "I want to pick up where I left off.
"My first aim when I first came here was to get in the team, because there is so much competition.
"But I'm delighted to have got in there and have played well – I want to hit the form I've been showing."
On the potential threat of Gary Mills' side, Magnay added: "I've obviously got a soft spot for them, but I think they were a little bit naive at the start of the season.
"Gary always likes his teams to play through teams, and have been successful, but they are stretching the pitch more.
"They are a lot more dimensional now than when we beat them, and it will be a tough task."
