John Coleman praised Accrington for conjuring up game-defining moments in defence and attack during a 2-0 win over 10-man Grimsby at Blundell Park.
Stanley substitute Shaun Whalley and frontman Josh Andrews settled the game after Grimsby captain Luke Waterfall saw red for two bookable offences in what was a catalyst for the eventual result.
Coleman, whose side moved up to ninth in the League Two table, said: “I was delighted with the result and our clean sheet.
“I think we can play better. It was a very scrappy game with the wind, the sun and it was difficult for both teams to play football.
“We needed to pass the ball better and we did that in the second half.
“Jay (Baghuelou) stopped a certain goal that’s nearly on our line, and that’s as good as a goal. (Matt) Lowey did the same. They are big moments and they are as good as goals. We kept ourselves in the game.
“I think that we then got ourselves on top in the second half and got our goals at the right times, as well.”
A superb block from Accrington defender Jay Baghuelou denied Harry Clifton in the early stages, while his Grimsby team-mate Harvey Rodgers glanced over the crossbar after meeting an out-swinging Jamie Andrews corner.
At the other end, Josh Andrews went close with a tame header before Abo Eisa saw his shot clawed away by Accrington goalkeeper Jon McCracken.
Grimsby striker Danny Rose prodded goalwards upon the restart from a set-piece as Eisa then passed up a golden opportunity – on the hour mark – when the winger fired over right-footed from inside the six-yard area.
Waterfall handed Accrington an advantage when he was sent off with 18 minutes to play and they instantly seized control with Whalley and Josh Andrews both scoring in quickfire fashion to help their side to a sixth victory so far this season.
Grimsby manager Paul Hurst said: “I think the sending off has had a big impact, but before that it’s a case of us missing chances.
“We didn’t have loads, but there were situations in my mind where we should have been in front in the game.
“We didn’t take them and that costs us in terms of having a chance of really getting something positive from the game.
“I thought we were the better side and had the better moments (until the red card). We had an open goal, then there was another piece of defending nearly on their line to stop Eisa.
“Rose was also inches away from a good goal, so no I didn’t feel the need to change things earlier.”
