A STOP-start February has been in stark contrast to the first month of 2012 for Grimsby Town star striker Liam Hearn, but he's relishing tonight's live TV clash at Southport.

The sub-zero temperatures around the country have seen Town play just one game this month and that was in the FA Trophy at Bath City.

It's made it difficult for Hearn to build on his Player of the Month award after netting seven times in as many games as Town started the new year without defeat.

The run also saw bosses Paul Hurst and Rob Scott scoop the Manager of the Month award for the Blue Square Bet Premier and Hearn believes that's fully deserved.

But now the 26-year-old wants to crack on with making February as good a month, and says every player is raring to go for tonight's trip to play-off rivals Southport.

Hearn said: "I was over the moon to get the vote for January's Player of the Month.

"There have been a few players in form like Matty Blair at York, so I was delighted when I found out I had won it.

"I got it a couple of times last season in the Blue Square North – but this is a higher level.

"I was pleased for the gaffers to get the Manager of the Month as well. It's fully deserved for them if you look at where we have come from.

"Early in the season, a lot of people wrote us off but now we are creeping back up there.

"It's a big game tonight and I can't wait to get back playing.

"The gaffers have put us through our paces in training this week with no game last weekend. But I personally don't mind that; it's important to look after your body when the games aren't on.

"You have to be ready both physically and mentally.

"All the lads look sharp in training so I hope we can transfer that to the game. We have all had a good rest and while you want to play, it may have helped those with the knocks."

Hearn faced the Sandgrounders during his time with Alfreton when both teams were in the Conference North.

And he knows Town can take nothing for granted on Merseyside after a second straight win for Liam Watson's side against Darlington in midweek banished bad memories of a run of five winless games.

He went on: "I know Southport; I was in the same league as them a couple of years ago.

"I know their manager and they are a good side. You can see where they are in the league that they are no pushovers.

"They may not have had the best of luck with results of late, but they will be going into the game with the same mindset as us – looking to beat a rival for promotion."