Jolley impressed by gritty Grimsby display in win over Swindon

Posted Sunday, December 16, 2018 by PA

Grimsby manager Michael Jolley was pleased to see his side ‘win ugly’ as they overcame Swindon 2-1.

The Mariners continued their fine form at home as they brought up a fifth league win in six at Blundell Park, with Wes Thomas scoring either side of the break.

Thomas grabbed his first from the spot after a handball from Sid Nelson before Matt Taylor brought Swindon level just minutes later with a superb free-kick.

Despite not quite finding their stride, though, Grimsby grabbed a winner when Thomas tapped home the rebound from Elliot Embleton’s long-range effort, much to the delight of his manager.

Jolley said: “Two things were particularly difficult about the game.

“First of all, the conditions. I know there was perhaps some disappointment in terms of it perhaps felt like we were sitting deep in the first half, but the wind was so strong it was tough to get out.

“Then obviously Swindon coming into the game with three wins in a row – they’re not a bad team, so we’ve got to show them respect and they made it difficult for us all the way through the game.

“We haven’t won ugly too often this season, but I think was a case-in point where we really dug in and got the three points.

“I think we had to defend resiliently at times and James McKeown made some good saves.

“But we’ve scored another two goals, and I think there were some situations where we could have scored even more. There’s some good balance to our game, and we’re definitely progressing.”

Swindon boss Richie Wellens, meanwhile, was left to rue the chances his side passed up.

The Robins created a number of opening to go ahead, particularly during the second half, but found McKeown in fine form.

Wellens said: “If I’m being really critical, we maybe didn’t take advantage of the wind in the first half.

“We had a lot of opportunities where if the final pass is right, we can get a really good chance on goal. Even so, we should be going in at half-time ahead.

“In the second half, I thought we were outstanding. We made chance after chance, and the lads have been great over the last three or four weeks, so I’m not going to be too critical.

“I’d be really worried if we came here, we got beat 2-1, and we didn’t make any chances.

“I think it’s fair to say for anyone watching that game that it would be tough to take at least a point out of it, because we could have had at least three or four goals.

“We had some clear-cut chances that you need to take.”