Paul Sturrock has warned his Town side tomorrow's trip to Port Vale is a potential "banana skin" with the Valiants fighting for their lives at the wrong end of League One.

The Town boss is refusing to get carried away by his side's recent winning run, insisting a game against another managerless side is nothing to get complacent about.

He said: "It is definitely a banana skin if not treated properly.

"We need the right mental approach for this game because they are fighting for their lives.

"They will be well up for the challenge and we have to match that.

"A lot of people are playing for the caretaker so in a way the pressure is off because no one is taking the mantle yet.

"Ask me about how we are going the after Doncaster, Leyton Orient and Leeds games that are coming up."

Sturrock used a behind-closed doors friendly against Cardiff on Tuesday as a chance to showcase some of his fringe players, and was delighted with the response in a 2-0 win.

He has already revealed he needs to relieve his squad of up to eight players, to ease the financial crisis, but admits that is so far slow going.

He said: "I was very pleased with the attitude of the team and the players individually.

"To be involved in the selection process they need some performances individually and team wise and I was pleased to see them come through with competent performances.

"It has been very, very quiet so far with regard interest from other teams.

"I may have to run up a few people myself to chivvy them up."

Jack Smith and Ady Williams are still missing through injury, while Jamie Vincent and Sam Collins are doubtful.