Grimsby boss Michael Jolley dreaming of Premier League club in third round

Posted Monday, December 03, 2018 by PA

Michael Jolley is dreaming of an FA Cup third-round clash with one of the big boys after Grimsby put themselves in the hat with a 2-0 victory at Chesterfield.

Close-range finishes from Charles Vernam and Harry Clifton sent the Mariners into round three for just the second time since 2004, although Jolley insists there is still room for improvement.

“I’m really pleased to be in round three and over the piece we deserved it, although we weren’t at our best,” said the League Two side’s boss.

“We are really proud of Harry (Clifton). We believe in the way he plays and the way he represents the club and that’s two goals in two for him now.

“The FA Cup is a great bonus for us. Now we have the excitement of the draw and a third-round tie to look forward to. I would particularly like to draw a Premier League side.”

National League strugglers Chesterfield had their chances as Thomas Denton and Curtis Weston came close.

Despite falling short, Spireites boss Martin Allen talked up his close relationship with his players – bizarrely drawing a contrast to Jose Mourinho.

“I can’t fault the efforts of my players,” said Allen. “All of them have given absolutely everything they have.

“There’s a manager who has won the Champions League who hammers his players daily – they don’t want to play for him and they hate him – that’s not the case here.

“It’s a big, big disappointment to be out of the FA Cup – I was hoping it would help us in the league.”