STOCKPORT striker Jon Daly believes there couldn't be a better time for County to be facing the biggest game of the season.

County take a run of nine games unbeaten into tomorrow's crunch match against Grimsby, but with the knowledge that a defeat by the Mariners would dump them back in to the bottom four.

Despite the superb unbeaten sequence, County are just one point above the relegation places with Grimsby lying directly below them.

"It's an absolutely massive game for both us and Grimsby," said Daly, whose increasingly impressive partnership with Aaron Wilbraham up front has been key to County's recent revival in fortunes.

"Right now it doesn't matter how we play, it's the result that matters.

"The reason it's so tight at the bottom is that teams down there are fighting for their lives and are managing to grind out 1-0 victories.

"We've got to do something along those lines.

"But the confidence is high, especially as we have a settled side, with the understanding between the players growing with every game."

Boss Sammy McIlroy has been pleased at the way his players have worked towards the big game.

"There has been absolutely no nervousness in training, we've just kept it as normal, which is what I wanted," said McIlroy.

"The run we've been on has given confidence to the squad, but they're certainly not over- confident.

"We know what we've got to do and now we just want to get on with playing the game and get a result."

Winger Andy Welsh is definitely out with a back problem and striker Luke Beckett, who returned to action with the reserves after seven months out with a cruciate ligament injury, will not be risked.

McIlroy is keeping his options open, with a choice between Jim Goodwin and Mark Robertson in midfield being his major decision.

Last season: In different divisions.

Key opponent: Stuart Campbell - can cause danger on the left.

Prediction: Stockport County 2 Grimsby Town 0. Tweet