GRIMSBY Town won 2-1 against Forest Green Rovers in an entertaining clash at Blundell Park tonight.
It was an encouraging start to the festive run of Conference Premier fixtures that may well make or break their season.
A crowd of 3,204 – which included 14 away fans – watched the clash.
After an even opening 20 minutes, Town had the first real chance when Jon-Paul Pittman played in Lenell John-Lewis – and the big striker had a decent effort tipped away by the keeper.
But John-Lewis was not to be denied – he guided home in the 23rd minute after a good ball in by Carl Magnay.
Although there were few chances, the Mariners went in at the break a goal up and in control.
Town continued to hold the slight edge in the second half – and Pittman was denied a goal thanks to a superb save from the Forest Green keeper.
The visitors got back on level terms when Chris Stokes volleyed home in the 62nd minute.
But Craig Disley then popped up with a captain's goal ten minutes later to restore Town's lead.
The closing stages were tense for the Mariners and the home fans – but they held on to grab the three points.
Town: McKeown, Parslow, Nsiala, Pearson, Magnay, Mackreth, Disley, Brown, Arnold, Pittman, John-Lewis. Subs: Bignot, Hannah, Neilson, Clay Watson.
Pick up a copy of tomorrow's paper for full match report, action pictures, player ratings, stats and manager reaction.
