Richie Wellens backs Ian Holloway to succeed with Grimsby Town after being impressed by visitors' improved midfield threat

Ian Holloway has certainly improved the Lincolnshire club’s attacking threat since he took charge of the club on New Year’s Eve.

But that didn’t stop Jerry Yates and Diallang Jaiyesimi finding the back of the net as Swindon maintained their two-point lead at the top of the League Two table.

Wellens’ squad also built a handy four-point gap between themselves and fourth placed Plymouth, who could only draw at home to Cambridge.

The 39-year-old Town chief backed Holloway to succeed at Blundell Park for the remainder of the season when considering the tools he has available to his disposal.

“They passed the ball a lot more, the rotation of their wide men was better and athleticism of the full backs was very good.

“They’ve got three players in midfield that really complement each other who are all very good on the ball.

“They were unbeaten in five before Saturday, and I imagine they will continue to play like that for the rest of the season – especially under a manager like Ian Holloway given his experience.”

A drab first half couldn’t be further away from the entertainment factor that was served up in the opening quarter-of-an-hour of the second.

And the work of Anthony Grant, who picked up an untimely yellow card in the game’s opening minutes, was praised by Wellens who reflected on the no-nonsense midfielder’s professional performance.

He added: “Anthony Grant isn’t a young player, he is experienced enough with hundreds of games under his belt.

“I’d imagine that he would’ve picked up a yellow card in 30 or 40 of those games early on.

“It’s about using your experience – not diving in and staying on your feet.

“He had to half read the game a bit more so he wasn’t exposed in an area of the pitch where he could pick up another card.

“He improved on his first half performance in the second and managed himself well.”