"OUR rivals have got games in hand on us but they're going to have to go and win those now."
That's the message from Grimsby Town joint boss Rob Scott with the Mariners sitting proudly at the top of the Blue Square Bet Premier table.
Saturday's 3-0 victory over Braintree Town sent Scott and Paul Hurst's side to the Conference summit for the first time this season.
The Mariners next turn their attentions to the FA Trophy, and this Saturday's clash with Northern Premier side Buxton.
But, in the meantime, the bosses were delighted to take advantage of Newport County's slip up at home to Hyde, to move into top spot.
Scott said: "Kudos to the lads because we now have a two-week break from the league, and it's nice to sit at the top looking down at people.
"Regardless of what league you're in, it's always nice to be top.
"Yes, our rivals have got games in hand on us, but they're going to have to go and win those now.
"Being top means little at the moment. We have to keep this impetus going and make sure we're up there at the end of the season.
"There's a hell of a lot of football to be played between now and then.
"But we'll just keep plodding away and if we keep getting wins, we'll be alright."
Striker Ross Hannah's brace sandwiched skipper Craig Disley's header as the Mariners eased to a comfortable win against the Iron on Saturday.
And there was a double Blundell Park celebration at the final whistle as news of Newport's surprise defeat filtered through.
It was party time for Town's fans, and the joint bosses also struggled to hide their satisfaction.
"It's just great for the fans," added Scott. "I was just thinking the other day, since we've been at this club they've never had a chance to sing 'we're top of the league" and I don't think they've had the chance to do that for many a year.
"It was a fantastic crowd again – more than 3,700 – which is great for the club and great for the players when they get behind them.
"And it's great for us. We all know that we've had to put up with certain things and fans have vented their frustration – now it's the time to get behind us.
"I'm not saying it's going to be plain sailing and all rosy in the garden between now and the end of the season because I'm sure they'll be fans disappointed with certain results before then.
"But they know that they've got a side here who works extremely hard, is disciplined and well organised, and, on Saturday's showing, can also play some great, one-touch football.
"We're pleased that the fans could go home on a Saturday night and say they're top of the league, but we'll stay focused.
"Everybody knows what we're like by now and we're not about to get carried away."
Scott was quick to pay tribute to his players' patience against lowly Braintree after Hannah's opener in the 43rd minute finally broke the visitors' resistance.
"The lads have been exceptional in training over the last couple of weeks, taking on-board things we've implemented," he said.
"There have been a lot of passing drills and certain games we're putting on where they have to pass the ball to get an end product, and I think that showed on Saturday and the game before.
"Patience is the key sometimes. You can't expect teams to come here and say 'it's Grimsby Town, we'll give them a goal straightaway.'
"We kept the ball extremely well against Braintree. We passed it from the full-backs to the centre-backs, into the midfield, out to the wide players, and the centre-forwards were very lively.
"To a man, they were excellent."
