Grimsby boss Jolley refuses to criticise penalty decision in Lincoln draw

Posted Sunday, August 19, 2018 by PA

Grimsby manager Michael Jolley was diplomatic in his view of the penalty that denied his side victory over county rivals Lincoln.

With just under 20 minutes left in the game, and with the Mariners on top after going 1-0 up through Martyn Woolford’s first half strike, referee Carl Boyeson pointed to the spot after John Akinde went down under the challenge of Danny Collins.

The striker picked himself up to tuck away his second spot-kick in as many weeks, and ensure it was honours even in the Lincolnshire derby.

Jolley disagreed with the decision but refused to criticise the official as his side picked up their fourth point from three league matches this season.

“The view from where I was on the bench was that it wasn’t a penalty, but of course I would say that,” Jolley said.

“I’m not a manager that wants to come in and slate referees – the referee thought it was a penalty, I’m sure he’s an honest guy, and he decided to give it, so there’s nothing we can do beyond that.

“The referee’s paid to make judgements, just as we all in our own right. He thought it was a penalty – I’m not going to sit here and criticise him.”

On the game, Jolley added: “I think it was a really good advert for football in Lincolnshire.

“It was a really good derby, the atmosphere was good, and I give credit to both sets of supporters for the way they came and supported their team today.

“I’m really proud of my players. We’ve had some indifferent performances at the start of the season, but I’m really happy with the group that I’ve got.

“I think if we’re given time to develop and improve, then we can do those things. I thought we were excellent – we were the better team, and I thought we were unlucky not to win the match.”

Grimsby became the first team to take a point off Lincoln this season, but manager Danny Cowley was happy to come away from Blundell Park with a draw.

“It was a tough game, and a really good result,” Cowley said.

“We didn’t play to our best – we were disappointed with our levels, but we live to fight another day. The art of being a successful team is to pick up points when you don’t quite hit your levels.

“I think you have to credit Grimsby because they played well. I thought they played at the top of their game, they obviously got themselves into the lead and they drew confidence from that.

“I thought we had pretty good control up until their first shot on target, which they scored from. They definitely drew confidence from that and were good from there on in.”