PAUL Hurst hailed last night's win over Forest Green Rovers as a 'big three points' – and a great way to kick-off Grimsby Town's festive schedule.
The Mariners beat their fellow promotion hopefuls 2-1 on a bitterly cold evening at Blundell Park.
Lenell John-Lewis opened the scoring with his 14th of the season before Hurst's men were pegged back by Chris Stokes' 62-minute equaliser.
But John-Lewis turned provider with just under 20 minutes to go as his deft chip over the visitors' back four allowed Craig Disley to turn home the winner and ensure Town fans will go into Christmas on a high.
Afterwards, Hurst couldn't hide his delight at the victory, which stretched the gap between Town and Rovers to six points.
"We said there are some big games coming up, so it was a great way to start that run," he said.
"Forest Green have been in good form – it would be no surprise to see them up there at the end of the season – so it was a big three points for us last night and a big win.
"I'm really pleased to get those points – particularly after the break we've had and the run that we're about to go into over Christmas – it's a great start.
"We scored goals at good times – the second one in particular. I thought we were the better team in the first-half and deservedly led at the break.
"We had another really good chance in the second half, from which their keeper made a good save, then they went up the other end and scored.
"But then we won it with a goal of real quality."
