Manager Paul Cox praised the fighting spirit of his side following last night’s dramatic 2-0 victory over Grimsby Town at One Call Stadium.
Striker Matt Rhead came off the bench to head us infront shortly after the hour mark, before Adam Chapman doubled the lead with a sumptuous 25-yard beauty.
“I thought we showed grit and determination and you’ve got to give credit to Alan Marriott, who I thought had a superb game”, said Cox.
“I don’t think we played particularly well when we had possession of the ball, but our shape, drive, hunger and willingness to get the ball back was excellent.
“In the first half we were like a cat that had been caught in headlights and needed to improve. We seemed to be playing the occasion and not the game.
“In the second half, I made a change because [Lee] Stevenson wasn’t getting much space in the hole, and the big man [Matt Rhead] changed the course of the game.”
“He did what he does best, which is scoring from a set-piece and putting his head in where it can hurt.
“We played a little bit more direct, because we know what Rheady’s about. Not many people can handle him, and he gave Greeny a bit of help upfront.”
Our boss continued: “Between now and the end of the season, there’s going to be lots of twists and turns and all the squad is going to come into play.
“It’s nice to have someone like Rheady, because every time he comes on, he gives his heart for this football club and puts himself on the line.”
Cox was also full of praise for midfielder Adam Chapman, whose delightful long-range strike sealed the three points and extinguished any hopes of a Mariners comeback.
He added: “It was an excellent strike from Chappy and I hope he’s got a few more in his locker.
“He’s a good player and he’s still only getting to grips with what we’re about and how we play. I think there’s so much more to come from him.”
Our next game is on Friday 15 March as we travel to Forest Green Rovers (kick-off 7.45pm).
