Martin McIntosh’s men have been in good form so far, winning both of their pre-season fixtures in the build-up, the most recent being a 2-0 win away to Handsworth on Saturday.

A goal in either half from Remaye Campbell and Harry Middleton gave the travelling supporters extra reason to cheer, after an impressive performance from the Gingerbreads in Sheffield.

Thursday's opponents will arguably be the toughest the new-look squad have faced on paper so far and will provide an opportunity for players who played 30 minutes on Saturday to be given a longer run of 60 minutes.

Stamford have been in impressive form in the run-up – winning four of their five friendlies and in their last fixture won 7-0 on Saturday at home to Newark FC who were the Gingerbreads’ original opponents for this week before cancelling the game due to injuries.

The Daniels, who play one league below Grantham in the Northern Premier League Division One South East, and are managed by Graham Drury, will also have some familiar faces among their ranks.

Former Grantham players Dan Haystead, Connor Bartle, Jack McGovern, Harry Vince and Tom Siddons all now play at the Zeeco Stadium as they look to replicate their form from last season and help guide Stamford to another promotion challenge.

Grantham boss McIntosh believes this will be another strong test for his players and one he and his squad are relishing.

He said: “On paper it is definitely our toughest test of the season so far.

“Stamford are much further ahead than us currently. They’ve played more games than us, are fitter than us, scoring goals for fun and will give us a really good game tomorrow night.

“In comparison to our other oppositions they’re in a higher division too and we are getting to a stage in our preparations where we need to be getting tested and Thursday is a great chance for that.”

The Gingerbreads boss has also stated that whilst his squad are showing promising signs, there is still a long way to go and players will be fighting for their places.

He said: “We’ve been together for just about three weeks now and we have done really well so far just as we come up to what is roughly the half-way point of pre-season.

“Having said that though there is still a long way to go before final decisions are made.

“In football a week is a long time and lots of things can happen in that time. The players know that they are fighting for their place in this squad as I look to potentially trim the squad down, with their also being a chance I look to add to the squad in certain areas too.”

Stamford have announced that fans will be permitted to attend the Zeeco Stadium for tonight’s fixture. To secure your ticket follow the link: https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/stamfordafc/news/next-home-match-2560864.html for more information.

For those not travelling tonight, make sure to be following the club’s pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for every live update and goal as they happen.

Castlegate Financial Management are Independent Financial Advisers working within the Duncan & Toplis group, specialising in investment advice and retirement planning, operating in Grantham, Lincoln and the wider Midlands. They can be contacted on 01476 591022 or visit their website www.casfin.co.uk