Ian Holloway celebrated his 1000th game in management with the gift he would have wanted above all others- three points.
The Robins defeated David Artell’s top-seven-chasing Grimsby Town in windy conditions at the County Ground.
Dominant Swindon Race Into Lead
The blustery conditions were not in favour of the visitors as a goal kick from Jordan Wright blew back towards the Town keeper. Harry Smith headed on for Kabongo Tshimanga to chase before the ball broke for Ollie Clarke to slot past Wright.
The hosts could have doubled their lead moments later when a Gavin Kilkenny cross found Smith whose effort hit the woodwork before he fired over the rebound.
It was two after 41 minutes when Tshimanga latched onto a wayward-headed clearance to smash the ball past Wright from close range to give his side a 2-0 lead at the break.
Second Half Sees More Of The Same
Grimsby continued to be the architect of their own downfall as they gifted possession to Smith who rolled a square ball to his strike partner Tshimanga whose low drive hit Wright’s post.
The Robins had a chance to make it three after 52 minutes when a Joel Cotterill strike from the edge of the box was handled by Jayden Luker and a penalty was awarded. Will Wright stepped up and blazed his penalty wide and the score remained 2-0.
It was three less than ten minutes later when Swindon substitute Billy Kirkham robbed possession back just inside the Grimsby half and fed Ollie Clarke. The number eight produced a lovely through ball for Tshimanga who took one touch before smashing the ball high into the net, giving Wright no chance.
After 70 minutes, it was the turn of the hosts to play themselves into trouble as they gave up possession on the edge of their own area to George McEachran. He surged into the box before being bundled over and a penalty was awarded.
Danny Rose stepped up and sent Daniel Bardeen the wrong way to give Grimsby what proved to be just a consolation.
This result sees Ian Holloway’s Swindon move four points clear of the bottom two, a crucial gap as Carlisle United have a game in hand. The defeat leaves the Mariners outside the playoff places on goal difference.
Writer’s View
Grimsby have been excellent on the road so this is a huge result for relegation-haunted Swindon. David Artell will be frustrated at how his side never really got going and missed a great opportunity to move back into the top seven.
