David Artell hailed his Grimsby side’s resolve as they were rewarded for their battling performance with all three points in a 2-0 win over Bromley at Hayes Lane.
Second-half goals from Danny Rose and Justin Obikwu sealed the win for the Mariners as they cashed in on a dominant second-half performance.
Mariners manager David Artell said: “I thought after 15 minutes of the first half we were the better team but Bromley had the last 20 of the half mainly through corners and long throw. But in the second half we definitely deserved the win through our play.
He added: “We should have won by more than two but I have to say the lads at the back were brilliant at first and second contact, stopping crosses and touches in our box. Jason Dadi Svanthorrsson was brilliant going forward.
“Danny Imray is probably Bromley’s most effective player but I thought Denver Hume played him very well. All in all a very pleasing afternoon a deserved three points and the double over a good side.”
The game got off to a lively start with both sides attacking with intent but it was Michael Cheek who fashioned the first clear effort at goal, his low strike denied by Jordan Wright in the Grimsby goal.
Wright was at his best again on the half hour tipping Louis Dennis’ fierce drive over the crossbar.
Just before half time Dennis’ goalbound shot was blocked by Harvey Rodgers as the Mariners held on in the first 45.
The second 45 saw the Mariners get off to a lightning start, a ball across the box found Danny Rose who engineered a fantastic flick and hooked finished beyond Grant Smith whilst on the floor.
Justin Obikwu made the game safe when his low strike gave Smith no chance 20 minutes from time.
The Mariners were able to see out the remainder of the game with no fuss although Lewis Cass’ sending off in time added on took some gloss off the result.
The victory moves the Mariners up to ninth in League Two.
Bromley manager, Andy Woodman did not hold back in his assessment of proceedings.
He said, “It was disappointing. I thought we were good in the first half and should have gone in a goal or two up. Played some good football and created some good chances. Second half we killed ourselves, simple as that. We had a throw in their half and 30 seconds later the ball is in the back of the net. Bad defending and being wide open at the wrong time.
He added: “The second goal was a ricochet that fell to Obikwu and when it goes in it’s game over at that stage. But we were poor in the second half, I cant get away from that. We created very little and we helped Grimsby to the victory. Once we went a goal behind we played nervous and got punished for it.”