Gareth is dreaming big this campaign

WYCOMBE boss Gareth Ainsworth reckons his side will be a major force in League Two this season, providing they can tighten things up at the back.

Two goals from Adebayo Akinfenwa and another from Joe Jacobson earned the Chairboys victory at Blundell Park, while Mitch Rose and JJ Hooper scored for the hosts.

Ex-Premier League man Danny Collins was also dismissed for Grimsby, their fifth red card in just six games this season.

Ainsworth said: “We were really up against it when the scored the second, and we had to survive the onslaught.

“I’m disappointed to concede two again. It was a good game for the neutral, but I would have taken a 1-0 win any day of the week.

“There are things to work on, but it is great that I can give the boys a rollicking and still come away with three points.

“I’m pleased with our attacking play, and once we work on our defensive play I’m sure that we will be a force to be reckoned with.”

Chances were few and far between in the opening stages, but a trademark run from Siriki Dembele almost brought Grimsby an early reward. He was pegged back in the nick of time, and at the other end, the visitors went in front after 29 minutes.

Akinfenwa found half a yard in the area, but that was all he needed as the powerful striker prodded into the bottom corner.

Jacobson then made it 2-0 with a calmlytaken penalty, before Rose did likewise at the other end give the Mariners hope.

Having been earlier penalised for handball, Collins then saw red for a rash challenge.

It didn’t stop Hooper from equalising with a stunning drive, but Akinfenwa had the final say with a header 15 minutes from time.

Grimsby boss Russell Slade said: “I thought we started well and looked like the team in most control early on.

“We didn’t work the keeper enough, but there was some good movement in and around the box without quite finding that final pass.

“I’m hoping the referee got it right with the penalty.

“It was disappointing from our point of view, and it was a real blow for us just before halftime.

“Our penalty was given and it got us back in the game.

“It was a really good response from us, and we didn’t feel sorry for ourselves.

“JJ got a fantastic goal for us, and we had one or two other little chances.”