Grimsby boss David Artell felt it was a routine 3-1 win for his side against National League South outfit Ebbsfleet in the FA Cup despite trailing at half-time.
Charlie Seaman put the visitors ahead in the first half, but Ebbsfleet’s task of completing a shock was made harder when Ben Chapman was dismissed in first-half stoppage time.
Danny Rose scored a double with a goal either side of a Cameron McJannet strike to turn the game around for Grimsby.
Artell said: “We found it tough in the early moments in possession, and we didn’t move it anywhere quickly enough, which made it more difficult, but the red card came as a result of us being able to get further up the pitch.
“It was a subtle change from us, but an important one, and it ended up being a routine win for us because we were certainly the better team after that and deserved what we got.
“They may not look like great goals (from Danny Rose), but it is an unbelievable skill he has to be in the right place for those chances, which is why he’s had the career he has.”
For Ebbsfleet boss Josh Wright, there was frustration with key refereeing decisions but pride in his team’s performance.
Wright added: “The one that frustrates me the most is the penalty; it was clear as day for me, and even the Grimsby staff agreed that it was a bad call.
“For the red card, initially I thought it was harsh, but looking back at it, maybe the height of the challenge influences the referee’s decision.
“That was a game-defining moment because we were well worthy of our lead when it was 11 v 11 against a really good outfit, so I’m proud of the team for their efforts, and they’ve made the club as a whole and the fans proud.”
