Chesterfield can still catch us, says Grimsby boss Jolley

Mitch Rose’s 88th-minute penalty winner sent Chesterfield to the foot of the League Two table and left Grimsby five points clear of the relegation zone and seven points above the Spireites.

However, Jolley refused to get carried away by his side’s first win in 21 games — and the first since he took over as manager — and pointed out that Chesterfield have three matches in hand.

“We’ll enjoy it tonight but be back at it after today. There is still work to be done.

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STILL IN OUR OWN HANDS - LESTER

“We’re happy and relieved because it’s been a long period of time (since a win),” he said. “The pressure has built but we’ve kept positive, and it’s important they’ve not given up.

“These players have been really professional in training.

“I’m going to be judged on results and we’ve got our first win out the way, but hard work continues in our final four fixtures as we aim to stay in the league for next season.

“We’re well aware that Chesterfield can overtake us if they win their games in hand.

“I’m so happy for the lads. I’ve still got the faith that we can stay in the league.”

Jolley praised the Spireites as a good football side and said his side worked hard to press high up the field before defending well in six minutes of stopppage time.

He said: “We were hard to beat and kept our second Blundell Park clean sheet in a row.

“We deserved that after a good shift. It was a great defensive display and I’m so happy with that.”

Grimsby face another ‘six-pointer’ next season against second-from-bottom Barnet.

Jolley added: “I’m overjoyed for the fans - they’ve really stuck by me and the team. We’ll need them again against Barnet.

“We need to try and beat Barnet.”