Dario Gradi says his side will face a tough encounter against Grimsby Town in tomorrow night's re-arranged fixture because the Mariners will believe that they can get out of the relegation zone.

The Alex boss is certainly after an improved performance from the one we put in during the first half against Barnet on Saturday. Crewe made a great start through the recalled Clayton Donaldson but found themselves 2-1 down at the break and needing to raise the performance.

Thankfully, some intelligent play at free-kick from youngster Ashley Westwood, allowed Joel Grant to lay off for Donaldson to slot home a deserved equaliser on 83 minutes. A point was fair but Crewe yet again dropped home points. It has been the story of our season and Gradi will be looking to get a win tomorrow night.

Grimsby Town enjoyed a great 3-0 win at home to Shrewsbury Town at the weekend to end a barren run stretching back to September and they are now just four points adrift of safety now. Neil Woods' side have improved each week and are certainly not out of the Football League yet. They will be coming to South Cheshire fighting for their lives and that makes them tough opponents.

Dario told the club's official web-site: "Grimsby certainly won't expect to be going into the Conference and they will be giving it all they got to make sure that they don't. They are fighting for their lives and will be trying their utmost to get out of it.

"They had a great win on Saturday and that will give them a lift. What we have got to do is make sure that they don't come here and win again.

"They are certainly not down yet. One thing I've learned from experience is that it is never over until it is over. Two or three wins can transform everything.

"All we can do is concentrate on ourselves and make sure we start to get some wins ourselves to move into the top half of the table again."