Dino Maamria’s Stevenage side host visitors Grimsby Town at the Lamex on Saturday as they bid to build on their encouraging form since the disappointing 1-0 defeat to Cambridge at the start of September.
Four points culled from the last two matches has seen Boro steady the ship after consecutive defeats to Yeovil and Cambridge.
Victory against Macclesfield two weeks ago at Broadhall Way was supplemented with a hard-fought point in the 3-3 draw at Meadow Lane against Notts County last time out.
Speaking to CometSport at the club’s training ground, Bragbury End, ahead of the fixture against the Mariners, Maamria said: “It is too early to judge anybody at this time in the season.
“Grimsby can say we are in a fortunate position where we are, we have picked up 12 points while we’ve been learning. Grimsby have struggled to do that.
“They have got a new manager, more or less a new squad as well, it is not easy. I feel for them, I feel for him. They have got a new team, he is building and he is finding it difficult.
“They are always a dangerous opponent because they will be determined more than ever not to lose their fifth game on the bounce.”
Maamria’s men have gained two wins and a draw from their opening four matches this term at the Lamex, but Maamria insisted there is more to come from his side and will be looking for another victory at the weekend.
Despite a sticky patch Stevenage are only one point off Bury in the final play-off spot in seventh and will want to pick up another three points.
Grimsby have only won one of their eight games, losing five, at Macclesfield last month.
Blundell Park boss Michael Jolley said: “It will be a difficult match. Stevenage are an experienced, physical, and powerful League Two team, with a good manager who knows his way around this level.
“It’s a match we need to stand up to. We need to be prepared to try and match them physically and mentally, and try and impose ourselves on the game.”
Commenting on the turnaround in fortune and the increase in optimism Maarmia has brought to the club since returning towards the end of last season the Mariners boss added: “He’s stabilised the situation there, and I’ve known Dino quite a few years – he’s a good person, and somebody who I respect, and he’s done a good job.”
Follow Layth on Twitter @laythy29 and @comet_layth
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