PAUL Hurst was full of praise for his Grimsby Town players as they recorded a potentially crucial 1-0 win over Blue Square Bet Premier title rivals Wrexham last night.
Ross Hannah popped up in the 78th minute to bag the winner and send the Mariners top of the table – ahead of this afternoon's other league fixtures.
Hurst said: "This was always going to be a tight game for us – Wrexham are a good side but I want to pay tribute to our team.
"They were ready for the game and they put a great show on in front of what was a great crowd, which was pleasing to see.
"We've got a really honest group of players who work hard day in, day out to achieve. We've got a great team spirit and that showed."
He added: "To a man, they put in a real shift. We started well and then Wrexham came back into it in that first half and they were the team pushing before the break.
"But we came out brightly and then got that all-important goal.
"It was a great ball in from Aswad Thomas and Ross Hannah popped it in. He had a great night in terms of his all-round game and you know he's always likely to pop up with a goal.
"Overall, I thought it was a great game and a good advert for the league. For me, I thought we edged it and deserved the win."
The result gives the Mariners the perfect start to the Christmas programme, which includes their derby double-header against Lincoln City, the first of which comes on Boxing Day.
And Hurst believes that Town's hard-fought win over the Dragons' will give them an extra boost – not that one was need needed – for the game against the Imps.
He added: "It sets us up nicely for the Lincoln game on Boxing Day.
"It's a good start to the Christmas programme and we're delighted to get the win."
