Jolley delighted with Grimsby after draw with high-flying Exeter

Posted Sunday, October 21, 2018 by PA

Grimsby boss Michael Jolley was delighted to see his side continue their unbeaten run against League Two contenders Exeter.

In a goalless game at Blundell Park, the Mariners had long-serving goalkeeper James McKeown to thank for preserving a point.

He produced a fantastic penalty save from Pierce Sweeney and it proved to be a telling moment as the free-scoring Grecians were contained.

Jolley said: “It was a good game of football. You could say it was a classic game of two halves. I thought we were the better side in the first half, and we had some good chances.

“In the second half, I think we saw why Exeter are doing so well in the league. They are a good side.

“We saved a penalty, which is credit to our goalkeeper – but even at the end we had some moments where we might have grabbed something more.

“I think we could have gone in 1-0 up, and for us that would have been a real plus. We kept our shape very well, and it was an even game overall. A point was probably a fair result.

“We are now three unbeaten with three clean sheets, and seven points out of nine. Everyone played their part and we will look to go again on Tuesday night.”

Chances were at a premium in the first half, but Grimsby went close through frontman Wes Thomas, while Charles Vernam also saw a left-footed effort hit the post and trickle along the line.

Jonathan Forte was also denied by the frame of the goal early in the second half before McKeown then guessed the right way to save Sweeney’s penalty.

Exeter manager Matt Taylor said “It was a good away performance. The only thing we were lacking was a goal.

“I thought we created enough chances, certainly in the second half, to maybe take one of those and win the game.

“We were unlucky in front of goal, and their goalkeeper has obviously made a good save with the penalty.

“When your chances don’t go in, you have got to be resilient to make sure you get a clean sheet. It’s always a starting point away from home, so I was pleased with that.

“In the second half, I thought we were excellent. Our defending has been good this season, but we don’t have as many clean sheets as I would like.

“When you go away from home you want a clean sheet, so that’s another one ticked off. It was first and foremost the most important thing.”