Grimsby Town's solid start to the League Two season has been a talking point for both the Mariners and their early opponents. The club sits 8th in the table with four points from two games, having scored once and conceded none, a record that puts them just two points behind leaders Barnet.
How did Grimsby perform in their opening games?
Grimsby Town secured a 1-0 victory over Exeter City in their first league match of the campaign. This result contributed to a strong defensive foundation, with the team yet to concede a goal this season. According to a post-match stat pack from the EFL, Grimsby have kept a clean sheet in each of their opening two League Two fixtures. In fact, no side in the entire EFL has kept more clean sheets than the Mariners since the beginning of 2026, matching Millwall's total of 13.
This defensive resilience is a key factor in their current league position. With a goal difference of +1, the team's early form reads as a win and a draw. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages.
What did Exeter's manager say after the loss?
Exeter City manager Matt Taylor acknowledged the difficulty of facing Grimsby after his side's 1-0 defeat at Blundell Park. Speaking to BBC Radio Devon, Taylor pointed to his team's youthful squad and financial constraints following relegation from League One. "A lot of teams will come here [to Grimsby] and struggle," Taylor said, as reported by AOL. He asked for patience from supporters as his inexperienced group adapts to the fourth tier.
Taylor admitted his squad is limited in what it can do in the transfer market. He framed the challenge as one of development, expressing confidence that the young players will improve over time despite likely enduring some difficult moments. The manager's comments highlight the competitive environment Grimsby has established at home early in the season.
How did an Exeter player view the match?
Experienced Exeter winger Gwion Edwards also reflected on the match at Blundell Park in an interview with the BBC. The 33-year-old, who has played over 450 EFL matches, was not overly concerned by his new team's winless start. "I think we did really well away to Grimsby Town," Edwards stated. He expects things to "fall into place" for the youthful Grecians in the coming weeks.
Edwards sees his role as a senior figure in a very young squad, offering advice and guidance to help them develop. His perspective adds another layer to the reaction from Exeter, framing the loss to Grimsby as a tough but valuable experience for a rebuilding side. You can view the profiles of all Grimsby players, including top scorer J. Kabia, on our squad page.
What does Grimsby's early form mean?
Grimsby Town's start has been defined by defensive solidity. Keeping two clean sheets provides a strong platform for the rest of the campaign. The fact that this defensive record leads the entire EFL for the calendar year is a significant achievement. It suggests a level of consistency and organisation that can be a major asset in a 46-game season.
The team's current position, just two points off the top, offers early encouragement. With key striker J. Kabia leading the line with 18 goals this season, the combination of a tight defence and a proven scorer could be a potent formula. Maintaining this balance will be the ongoing challenge as Grimsby looks to build on a promising opening.
