Grimsby manager Paul Hurst was over the moon with how his squad adapted to changes made during their 2-0 victory over 10-man Salford.
New signing Abo Eisa was at the double – netting in each half – as Grimsby recorded their first League Two win of the season against their previously unbeaten opponents.
Salford midfielder Ossama Ashley saw red shortly after the restart for two bookable offences and his team-mates were unable to recover.
Hurst said: “I’m happy with the result, but we played better in our last game against Notts County.
“Getting the win was the most important thing, but we started a little bit nervy.
“We made one or two changes and they seemed to work, we got to grips with them and I thought that we looked a threat against them.
“Certain players suit different ways, but a lot of teams change within games.
“During the second half we changed because they changed and that really helped us see out the game.
“I don’t think we can be proud or bullish about ourselves.
“We always have to be respectful about the opposition when we are going different ways but, the changes we make, I would prefer to be smaller ones.”
Chances were few and far between in the opening stages, but Grimsby managed to break the deadlock after 20 minutes when Eisa struck first-time and saw a 25-yarder fly past goalkeeper Alex Cairns via a deflection.
Adrian Mariappa and Curtis Tilt both took aim in reply, but a routine save from Jake Eastwood and last-ditch block from Luke Waterfall thwarted them as Conor McAleny dragged wide the best chance for a Salford equaliser.
Ashley was shown two yellow cards – one either side of the break – and his dismissal left Salford with a mountain to climb.
Grimsby pushed and probed for a second and it came with 25 minutes left to play as winger Eisa cut inside and slotted neatly into the far corner.
Salford manager Neil Wood said: “We are nowhere near the level we were at last season and that’s disappointing.
“We have come a long way away from our identity, which we have created over the last 12 months, and got drawn into playing similarly to them.
“Grimsby are effective, they have got good players that can play that way. Playing too many direct balls doesn’t suit us – that isn’t the way that we play.
“We ended up giving the ball away time after time. I’m disappointed that we’ve come away from what we are and, obviously, getting a red card doesn’t help us.
“We had to gamble a little bit and were always going to be open to the counter at some point, they’re a good team and especially on the transitions.”
