John Doolan praised the character of his Accrington side as they came from behind twice to win 3-2 at home against League Two promotion-chasers Grimsby.
The visitors opened the scoring after five minutes when Kieran Green headed home Denver Hume’s free-kick and Stanley equalised – four minutes later – when Ben Woods blasted home.
The Mariners then created the better chances before Evan Khouri pounced on a loose ball after 39 minutes to fire them back ahead, while Accrington struck next on the hour mark, with Shaun Whalley firing home a penalty after Josh Woods was fouled.
It could have gone either way before Ben Woods’ free-kick squirmed through everyone after 82 minutes.
It was a first win in nine league games for struggling Stanley and Doolan said: “It was just about winning and we have done that. I am delighted for everyone at the club – we have shown massive character.
“We have had bumps in the road recently and we have lost our last two games. There have been consequences for the players and I asked for a response and they have been magnificent.
“On and off the pitch they have stuck together. It’s been hard work over the past week or two, we haven’t been at it, the players got told and to respond like that was superb.
“You have to get basics right. We have let ourselves down at times but this showed the standards and the character and we got our rewards.
“It’s massive to climb a few places in the league, wins mean everything. The feeling is better, the lads are bouncing but it’s only one win.”
Grimsby boss David Artell was disappointed with some of referee Ed Duckworth’s decisions as well as his side’s second-half show.
“We played football in the first half, we looked threatening, we looked like we would score more, but we didn’t play football in the second half, we didn’t pass enough and that’s the most disappointing thing,” he said.
“I thought we did enough to have big moments in the game and we took some and we didn’t take more.
“Greeny’s is an unbelievable header for the goal – one of best headers I have seen – and the second goal is a cracker but it means nothing.
“We have had two big moments go against us. They should have had a man sent off for a foul on Rekeil (Pyke) and the referee has given a penalty when he can’t see it, so I will be having a chat with Mike Jones (head of refereeing for the EFL) about that.
“Irrespective of that though, we didn’t play enough football in the second half and that’s what I am really disappointed with. We need to be more consistent.
“We have got to do better in our big moments and you end up losing a game you shouldn’t lose. We have got to be much smarter.”
