ROB Scott hopes Grimsby Town's derby day demolition of Lincoln City gave Mariners supporters a Boxing Day to remember.
Yesterday's 4-1 crushing of their local rivals at Sincil Bank ensured Scott and Paul Hurst's men remain top of the Conference pile – despite victories for most of their title rivals.
Strikes from Andy Cook, Craig Disley and Joe Colbeck – along with an own goal – saw a rampant Town claim another memorable victory over the Imps.
And the Mariners were cheered on every step of the way by more than 1,700 travelling fans, who out-sang, out-danced and out-partied the increasingly miserable home support.
"The supporters were brilliant from start to finish," said a delighted Scott. "There were near on 2,000 Town fans there and they were all you could hear.
"They went to Lincoln with high hopes that we would get a victory over our local rivals because we're sat where we are and they're sat where they are.
"It doesn't always work like that in a derby match, but the players have given them something to cheer about, which is great.Above: Joe Colbeck gives his reaction after the game
"I'm sure the fans went home last night and had a nice Boxing Day drink and finished off the turkey with a smile on their face!
"It's great when you can take that sort of away support, and to do that for a Conference game is just fantastic.
"Thanks to them because they've had to spend a lot of money over the last few days.
"Hopefully we've justified them putting their hands in their pockets and paying to watch us.
"The players appreciate that and we hope that continues at Mansfield on Saturday and at home again on New Year's Day."
Scott was also full of praise for Town's players, who first had to win the physical battle against a robust and direct Lincoln outfit intent on toppling their high-flying neighbours.Above: Mariners fans applaud the team off the field
"It was a local derby and we expected nothing less – they wanted to knock us off our perch," he added.
"We knew the first 20-25 minutes was going to be hare'um scare'um, and we looked at the pitch and their line-up before the game and guessed which way they would go.
"They tried to test us out physically and they played route-one football. Everything was lumped forward – set plays and long throws went into the box but we defended that very, very well.
"We told the lads to expect that and credit to them because it's tough over Christmas for footballers to keep their discipline, look after their bodies and be conscientious about their jobs and their work.
"I thought they looked magnificently fit and energetic, even in the last minute."
It was the Mariners' first match following the end of Scott Neilson and Ross Hannah's loan spells with the club. And Scott felt his side showed they have more than enough quality to succeed without the influential duo.
He said: "It was an excellent performance in light of the time of year and the two loan players we've lost.
"The lads were fantastic. Barring five or six minutes at the start of the second half, we were pretty much on top for the whole game.
"After the first 15-20 minutes we started to get into the match. Obviously, we scored then and the game changes.
"We were disappointed with our start to the second half but we rectified that by going down the other end and scoring soon after their penalty.
"That shows the quality we've got now. When we are under pressure we can exploit teams either on the break or whilst in possession.
"They had a couple of chances from long throws, but when the ball is slung in there like that there is always going to be a chance with it bobbling around.
"But the game was done and dusted and we could have had a couple more."
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