Grimsby boss David Artell admitted Saturday’s 2-1 League Two victory over Doncaster was the perfect measuring stick for the progression his side have made this season.
The Mariners suffered heavy defeats to Rovers in their previous two meetings but were deserved winners at the Eco-Power Stadium.
Justin Obikwu fired Grimsby ahead in the first half before a Joseph Olowu own goal – following excellent work from Jason Svanthorsson – seconds after the break saw them take command.
Rob Street scored a late consolation for Doncaster, who could not find a way through for an equaliser in the dying moments.
He said: “If ever there was a story of failing and then failing better, this was it.
“A year ago we got absolutely whalloped by Doncaster. Earlier this season, on the back of two really long away trips and an horrific injury crisis, we failed against Doncaster but failed a bit better.
“Today, we end up on the right side of it. That’s the progression made and it’s the progress we’ve got to keep making.
“Doncaster are a really good team. They’re up there for a reason. But we’ve come here and I thought we were worthy winners.
“For the last 15 minutes they’ve resorted to whacking it up because they couldn’t find a way through us. I thought we played some magnificent stuff on the break as well so all in all, it’s been a really pleasing day.
“I thought to a man, everyone involved was terrific and I’ve said to them that we’re going to need them all over the last 15 games.”
Grant McCann said is was a “really disappointing” display from his Doncaster side.
McCann felt Rovers delivered a thoroughly-poor performance, in stark contrast to their impressive effort in Monday night’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.
“I thought it was the worst performance of the season from us by a country mile,” McCann said. “We were nowhere near.
“We didn’t win enough second balls, didn’t compete enough and got schooled far too many times by some of their experienced players.
“It’s really, really disappointing. It’s unacceptable from me, my staff and the players to get a real kick in the teeth and deservedly get beat.
“We’d trained well in the week. I’ve given everybody at the football club large credit for the run we’ve been on and how well we performed against Crystal Palace but there was none of that.
“We’ve gone and done the complete opposite from where we have been.
“We had a good go for the last 10 minutes but I expect that. If I’d have come in with a 2-2 or a 3-2 win, I’d be speaking in the exact same way. I just don’t like what I’ve watched.”
