Palmer in double hit to thwart old club
GABRIELE Cioffi believes his Crawley side now have a clear identity and know how they want to play, which is making a difference and building confidence.
The Reds battled back from conceding an early goal from Wes Thomas to clinch their first home win in eight weeks thanks to two goals from striker Ollie Palmer. The top-scorer took his tally for the season to 15, but Cioffi felt he should have had a hat-trick.
Cioffi was forced to watch from the stands due to a onematch touchline ban, but the Italian was delighted with the performance.
He said: “It is a positive boost for us. Now we face Mansfield on Tuesday with a bit of momentum and confidence.
“In the last 15 games we have looked solid with a clear identity of how I want to play. Everyone is on board and believing in what we are doing.”
Grimsby boss Michael Jolley felt that Devon referee Brett Huxtable did not let the game flow.
He said: “The referee’s display was probably the worst I’ve seen at this level. I hate to criticise, especially after a defeat, but he didn’t allow the game to flow. We know what the issues are and now we have to solve the next set of challenges.
“We are searching for consistency and didn’t cover ourselves in glory in both goals we conceded.”
Crawley got off to the worst possible start with Thomas giving Grimsby an early lead.
Top-scorer Thomas volleyed his 12th goal of the season in fine style after recalled defender Ludvig Ohman headed back a deep free-kick from Jake Hessenthaler. Crawley were unfortunate not to reply immediately with both Matty Willock and Reece Grego-Cox firing against the bar in quick succession.
The Reds deservedly drew level when George Francomb released Lewis Young and his cross was headed in at close range by Palmer after 27 minutes.
Palmer, who once played for Grimsby, was on target again four minutes from the interval and scored with a confident finish after an assist by Grego-Cox.
Palmer wasted a chance to complete his hat-trick shortly after the break when, from a cross by Francomb, he blazed over after having an initial header parried by keeper James Mckeown.