Jack Parkinson says Saturday’s visit of Grimsby to Crabble for a game which could seal Dover’s play-off place is the sort of game players live for.

The defender has been instrumental in Whites’ run of six clean sheets in nine games which has left Dover third in Vanarama National League and just one win from securing a place in the play-offs.

The latest two came in the memorable 1-0 win at Wrexham on Saturday and Tuesday night’s goalless draw at Macclesfield – results which ended both former Football League clubs’ hopes of a play-off place.

Fourth-placed Grimsby head south this weekend in what looks likely to be the first of three meetings between the sides in the space of 22 days.

The side’s finishing third and fourth will do battle over two legs on May 5 and 8 with a place in the Wembley final on May 15 at stake to the winner.

Parkinson said: “We are not even in the play-offs yet. We want to be mathematically secure but we are close. We won’t switch-off the moment we have secured a place, nothing will change.

“We’re not looking at any advantage or otherwise to finishing third, fourth or fifth, we just want to finish as high as we can.”

Parkinson admits Whites’ players are out for revenge after their last-gasp defeat at Blundell Park just before Christmas.

It was Parkinson who conceded the penalty which allowed Padraig Amond to slot the only goal from the spot in injury-time and he said: “I certainly owe them one.

“We had chances to win that day but it was the manner in which we lost – it was unfortunate. We also don’t want them to do the double over us .”

Parkinson added: “Saturday should be a good day. It’s these sort of games that you want to play in as a player.

“Hopefully, there will be a big crowd there and right behind us as always.”

Richard Orlu will miss the final three games after his red card for a clash with Macclesfield’s Reece Styche on Tuesday.

Parkinson added: “It’s a shame for him and us. He’s a big asset to the side but I’m sure he’ll have a part to play again before the end of the season.”