YOU know what to expect at Grimsby. A crowd that is far from genteel and a team that is far from gentle. Five thousand fans baying their team on, questioning every refereeing decision and a team ready to bully and batter.

How do you deal with the challenge that Blundell Park presents? It is easy to say, but far from easy to do. Firstly you dig in physically. This means standing toe-to-toe with a hard but fair side, that comes at you throughout the game, and secondly ignore the crowd and hope the ref does too.

Rovers did all that and more. It was a fine game between two worthy championship contenders, which either side could have won. No quarter was asked or given and it was another good advertisement for the National League.

Two aspects stood out. Firstly our two central defenders, Darren Jones and Aarran Racine. The first had his best game of the season and Aarran maintained his growing reputation.

Secondly, the performance of Jon Parkin. He gave a splendid example of how to lead the attack in a tough away match, holding in the ball, bringing others into play and scoring a marvellous goal.

For a big man, he has neat feet and skilfully finding space for a shot he curled a left footed one inside the far post, silencing the Grimsby crowd. He deserved another goal but was denied it by heroic defending following a corner.

With so many good players challenging for a place in the starting line up, Ady Pennock's choice will not please everyone, but with hindsight, he got it right on Saturday, and his substitution was spot on.

Keanu Marsh-Brown had worked harder than in any of his previous games but Grimsby were making a late surge and bringing on David Pipe to shore up a tiring midfield was just what was needed. In this area, Darren Carter had a good second half, stepping up his game especially defensively as Grimsby attacked the left-hand side of our defence.

One aspect of the modern game is beginning to irritate me. That is the shirt pulling, jostling and wrestling that is occurring at corners. Both sides were guilty on Saturday. Surely the answer is simple. Referees should give penalties if attackers are illegally hampered. The rule allows it and it should happen. Only then will he process cease.

Now it is on to Aldershot, considered by some to be a "massive game". Why especially Aldershot? There are only the usual three points at stake. It is an important game as is every one we play, but do not give it extra significance. When forecasting the result, just consider "the curse of the cameras".

I close by quoting the view of the Grimsby media and fans. "You are the best team here this season and that was the best game." Says it all! There were some views about the ref, however!