MANAGER Neil Woods believes the visit of Luton Town will provide a huge test in what he is calling Grimsby Town's biggest match of the season so far.

Both former Football League sides were among the pre-season favourites to win promotion and have started the campaign positively – the Hatters one point better off going into tomorrow evening's live televised clash.

But while Richard Money's side are expected to be stiff opposition, Woods is looking forward to facing a team that will come to Cleethorpes to play football and not just batten down the hatches like previous visitors Hayes & Yeading and Histon.

The Town boss said: "It's a big test for us – probably our biggest game of the season so far.

"Luton were favourites for promotion pre-season and I think we were third favourites so both clubs are fancied to do well because of their size and stature at this level.

"It's a fixture that everyone else in the league will probably look at and maybe that's why it's been chosen to be on TV.

"Luton nearly got out of the league at the first attempt last year and have started well again.

"They will come here and try to play football in the right way, different to the last two teams visiting who had contrasting styles.

"This will be more like a Football League game I think."

Woods, pictured left, still has injury worries for the match with Charles Ademeno now added to that lengthy list following his hamstring injury against Histon.

And a big worry yesterday was the absence of Alan Connell at training after a knee knock, though he should be available.

Several players have been back in light training this week including Michael Leary and Peter Bore (virus), Lee Ridley (groin), Michael Coulson (ankle) and Rob Atkinson (hernia).

But the boss admits it's unlikely he'll have too many back in contention tomorrow.

Woods went on: "Alan Connell missed yesterday – he took a whack to his knee on Monday but it's nothing severe and I expect him to be available.

"Michael Leary trained a bit yesterday but is still a bit washed out after a severe chest infection.

"Peter Bore and Lee Ridley did a light session but we'll have to see if there's a reaction with them.

"Nathan Dixon has had the virus as well but was back in yesterday.

"We're hoping Rob Atkinson will be okay for a run-out in the Reserve game next Wednesday, while Michael Coulson is on the mend but he's still a week away and the England game may be his first back.

"So it's pretty much the same players to choose from.

"It's been difficult to do any constructive training with so many out but the sessions we have done have been bright and we've prepared well for tomorrow.

"We had a good win on Monday but need to start stringing a few results together."

One man who is guaranteed a start, injury permitting, is new loan keeper Richard O'Donnell.

And Woods has been impressed with him in training.

The boss has also revealed he almost put goalkeeping coach Steve Croudson on the bench at Rushden & Diamonds before wishing he had when Kenny Arthur got injured.

Woods added: "We're pleased to have Richard – he's been bright as a button in training.

"Steve Croudson's performance was a bonus for us on Monday but it was a one-off.

"We signed him on a contract to play before last weekend and I had a dilemma about whether to have him on the bench.

"I chose not to and it came back to haunt us.

"But he's there now if we need him."

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