Eccleshill United's difficult month continues on Saturday afternoon, when they make the long journey to Grimsby, facing another fierce promotion rival, this time in the form of Grimsby Borough.

The Eagles go into the game off the back of a disappointing defeat to Selby Town, a game which they looked to have salvaged a point from before conceding in the dying embers of the contest.

Sean Regan and his side will be itching to get back in action to put that loss behind them, and get their promotion push back on track, which will be no mean feat as they prepare to face one of the best sides in the league this season.

Grimsby did not have a game last weekend, so it was an opportunity missed for The Eagles to put some space between themselves and the chasing pack.

Their last outing was an action packed 3-3 draw with Retford United, which Grimsby players and fans alike will want to forget, as it was a 90th minute equaliser from Retford which ensured the spoils were shared.

This will mark the second meeting between the sides this season, with the first clash bringing about a seven goal thriller and plenty of entertainment at the Mitton Group Stadium.

Grimsby were 4-3 winners on that day in August, but since then both sides have shown real quality in formidable runs respectively. Despite the loss last weekend, Eccleshill remain in second, with four points the gap between them and third placed Grimsby Borough.

The Eagles will be very aware that Grimsby also have a game in hand over them, so a victory is almost a neccesity in the race for the automatic promotion spots.

A busy December for Grimsby saw them win all but one of their five games, which was a 1-1 draw at home to Winterton Rangers.

They are yet to win in January, and were at the wrong end of a 5-0 drubbing against Knaresborough Town to start the month, the whole squad will be eager to send a message on Saturday afternoon, setting up the game to be a brilliant contest.

Jonny Irving was sent off against Selby Town, so he could be a big miss for The Eagles on Saturday, but the squads delth has been praised a lot recently, and will be needed to ensure Eccleshill give a good account of themselves on Saturday.