Michael Jolley hails Grimsby character after they battle to draw

Posted Wednesday, August 21, 2019 by PA

Grimsby manager Michael Jolley hailed his side’s character after they came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Colchester.

Goals from Frank Nouble and Luke Norris in the first half at Blundell Park had put the visitors in control, before James Hanson struck from the penalty spot straight after the break.

Despite that, Colchester appeared to be heading for a first league win of the season until Matt Green struck with a superb volley in the final few minutes of the game to earn Grimsby a point.

“I think we have to be pleased overall because we had a mountain to climb at half-time, and I think we showed real character and we had a real go in the second half,” Jolley said.

“We knew it would be an uphill task, but we got the early goal in the second half which really helped, and we kept fighting till the end.

“We’re not perfect as a team, but I think we’ve shown already we’ve got good character, and it was a good point for us to come back and take.

“It was a great goal by Greeny (Matt Green). A goal’s been coming for him, he’s been getting in some good positions, but it was a terrific finish right in the top corner, so I’m delighted for him.

“We weren’t all bad in the first half, I think we created some good moments, but clearly coming in 2-0 at half-time, it was a difficult task.”

For Colchester boss John McGreal, the draw was clearly hard to take after his side appeared to be heading for victory.

It means the U’s are left waiting for their first league win of the season, and have taken just two points from their opening four games.

“It’s gutting, it really is,” McGreal said.

“For all the hard work that we’ve done, the first minute of the second half, we dive in and give a penalty away just after we got a great goal ourselves before half time to give us that injection.

“I thought we were worthy of it. I thought we defended particularly well and carried a threat on the attack, which just gives you that bit of impetus.

“I just felt we camped, we were slashing at balls, not able to play. We stuck with it, but I just thought we were getting deeper and deeper, and I did all I could to try and get the boys up and on the ball.

“The ball was just incessantly coming in, and he’s got his head to it. We haven’t picked up the man on the edge of the box, and then it gets put in the top corner.”