Anthony Limbrick bemoans Grimsby’s bad luck after defeat to Swindon

Posted Sunday, December 08, 2019 by PA

Interim manager Anthony Limbrick heaped praise on rampant League Two leaders Swindon after they swept aside Grimsby with a 3-0 win at Blundell Park.

Goals from the division’s top scorer Eoin Doyle and Jerry Yates, inside the opening 25 minutes, put the Robins in full control at Blundell Park.

Yates added his second and Swindon’s third shortly after half-time – and there was ultimately no way back for the struggling home side.

Swindon are now three points clear at the top of the standings, while Grimsby are without a win since late September.

Limbrick, who has taken charge of four games since the departure of Michael Jolley, said: “It certainly was a tough afternoon. Fair play to Swindon. I think they are an excellent side.

“We highlighted their strengths before the game and I thought they really delivered them today. One goal came on the counter attack and I thought they passed the ball well.

“Their midfield three probably dominated our midfield three.

“We had a game-plan today, but we were unable to execute it. I thought that we were desperately unlucky with the first two goals. One was a deflection and one was a mistake by the keeper, where I think he slipped over.

“I was amazed that it went in.

“We found ourselves 2-0 down with two very unlucky goals. However, I thought they were very good and they stopped us from playing. They were one of the better sides we have played this season.

“Credit to them. That’s their sixth win in a row and they thoroughly deserved it.

“When the second one went in with the deflection, it was a case of how unlucky can you be? I didn’t think we were great in the game. However, it would be nice for us to get one of those goals where it just goes in off a deflection or a mistake.”

Swindon manager Richie Wellens said: “I think we were actually lucky with the first two goals. Our best moves and our best opportunities, we didn’t manage to take.

“Conditions were difficult to deal with, particularly in the first half. In the second half, when we did turn it on, we looked a real threat.

“In the last 20 minutes, it was just about being professional and seeing the game out. We made good decisions all over the pitch – starting with the goalkeeper.

“This is not an easy place to come. They haven’t got a manager, they got booed off at half-time and there wasn’t much of an atmosphere.

“We can use that to our favour a little bit, but I’ve been here before and it’s always a difficult place to come.

“Grimsby will start to pick up results again and they started the season really well.

“I’m really happy with the result. If you had offered me the 3-0 win before the game I would have 100 per cent snapped your hand off for it.”

This result, coupled with Forest Green’s 2-0 defeat at home to Scunthorpe, means Swindon are now three points clear at the top of the table – having taken 39 points from 20 games so far.