FANS praised the policing operation for last night's FA Cup replay with Scunthorpe at Glanford Park – and came away even happier with the Mariners winning the vital derby clash 2-1.
Sixteen people, who officers suspected could cause trouble, were arrested before anything could happen and escorted back to Grimsby.
In a separate incident just before the match kicked off, two males were handed Section 27 dispersal orders, but one was arrested a short time later for breaching the order and taken into custody.
Another man was arrested following a report of criminal damage in the ground during the match.
And a further three were arrested for offences including assault and public order offences, but police confirmed there was no trouble after the game and all fans were able to leave safely.
It was all welcome action for fans at the Scunthorpe ground following the violent scenes in Cleethorpes after the first match earlier this month, which had led to criticism of police.
The arrests were made before kick-off, with the game starting on time at 7.45pm, despite many fans being caught up for nearly an hour in a four-vehicle crash which caused two-mile tailbacks on the M181 at 6.45pm.
Two people were seriously injured and taken to hospital.
The delay led to some fans abandoning their cars to get to the match, with an announcement minutes into the game asking them to return to them or they would be towed away.
Fan Lea Lacey said: "The police did a good job tonight. I think it's a good idea to stop the violence before it kicks off. There were a lot of police around and it made you feel safe."
Alex Nettleton, 17, of Grimsby, said: "It was a brilliant game. The atmosphere was amazing because everything was under control this time.
"The police and stewards have done a fantastic job keeping everyone happy."
Ted Caffwell, 54, said: "I'm surprised to hear so many people have been arrested because everyone was well behaved around where I was sitting.
"I am a season ticket holder and Town played really well. The goal John-Lewis scored was excellent, he was the man of the match for me.
"It's good to have one on Scunthorpe. We deserved to win, we looked like we wanted it more."
A spokesman for Humberside Police, who had worked closely with both clubs ahead of last night's match to prevent a repeat of the scenes following the Blundell Park game, confirmed the arrests.
They said: "In order to minimise the potential of disorder at the Scunthorpe United v Grimsby Town football match at Glanford Park, police arrested a number of 'potential risk' supporters and escorted them back to Grimsby.
"This group of 16 individuals, aged between 16 years and 28 years, were arrested to prevent a breach of the peace, after police believed they were intent on causing disorder in Scunthorpe and at the match.
"Once the likelihood of disorder had passed, the group had their tickets seized and were de-arrested."
Humbersdie Police's dog section tweeted at 10.30pm that the dogs had been stood down, saying: "Today was a well organised policing operation. Plenty of prevention and no spontaneous disorder."
About 5,000 people attended last night's replay, compared with 8,000 at Blundell Park on Saturday, November 9.
The collision happened close to the Tesco roundabout at about 6.45pm.
Police said that two people, who were trapped in their vehicles, were taken to hospital and treated for what were believed to be serious injuries.
Police closed the M181 northbound in order for the injured people to be safely removed from their vehicles and taken to hospital.
One lane was reopened shortly before kick-off.
In the build-up to the match, Scunthorpe town centre was relatively quiet, with many pubs choosing to close to minimise the risk of any trouble.
Mounted police patrolled the town and the ground, and 25 extra British Transport Police officers were also drafted in to help deal with those arriving by train.
Alex Tilton, of Caistor, and fan Ben Caswell said Town deserved to win.
Alex said: "I could hardly hear Scunthorpe chant, we were really loud compared to them.
"I am pleased we weren't defeated. We played really well."
Mark Taylor, of Wybers Wood, had predicted a win for the Mariners. He was with his 12-year-old son Alex, who plays for Grimsby Town's Under 12s team.
Mark said: "I am a season ticket holder and have always been a big fan."
Mike Douglas, from Immingham, said: "I am a big supporter and have been a season ticket holder since the 80s.
"I always go to away games because it is even more important to support them."
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