GRIMSBY Town boss Paul Hurst believes Oxford United will be hit hard by the loss of leading scorer Danny Hylton tomorrow.

The U’s striker serves a one-match ban after picking up a fifth booking of the season in the defeat at home to Wycombe Wanderers last week.

Hurst, whose side have won five games on the bounce and are second in the Vanarama Conference table, is hoping the Mariners can take advantage.

“I’ve looked at Oxford’s game last Saturday, the game before that and quite a few others, so I’m well versed on them,” he said.

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“They’ve obviously got to make a change with Danny Hylton being suspended. That’s a big loss for them because he’s their leading goal-scorer.

“They’ve also had a loan striker recalled this week by Watford.

“So I’ll have a good idea on large parts of their team, but they might change shape because of losing that main striker.

“Some of it will be on the day, but I’m certainly aware of a lot of their players, their strengths, and perhaps one or two areas we can try to exploit.

“Ultimately, I’m sure both teams would like the game to be settled – albeit in their favour – at the first time of asking.”

Hurst, who won the league’s manager-of-the-month award for October, is hoping there will be plenty of noise, and believes if there is, his team will thrive on it.

“I certainly hope they bring a big away following up here,” he commented.

“When we get clubs that bring plenty of support it always seems to help.

“Our fans get more motivated and make more noise as well, so that creates a good atmosphere in Blundell Park.

“We’re going well at the moment, so I hope fans take the opportunity to come and get behind the lads and cheer us on against opposition from the league above.

“We had two scenarios like that last season and managed to put on a couple of good performances to get extremely good results.

“Fingers-crossed, we can replicate that this season.”

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