A 34-MONTH search for four successive Football League wins continues for Swindon after a Wes Thomas brace denied Town any points on a bitterly cold afternoon in Grimsby.

Thomas opened the home side's account mid-way through the opening half from the penalty spot after Sid Nelson was judged to have handled the ball inside Town's 18-yard box. 

Matt Taylor equalised with a trademark free kick almost immediately from kick-off to grant Wellens' troops hope at half time. 

However Thomas netted again with an hour played to tie three points up for the Mariners.

Richie Wellens opted to make no changes to the side that defeated promotion chasing Newport County at the County Ground last week.

Elijah Adebayo and Kaiyne Woolery filled the attacking roles with Scott Twine placed on the right wing.

Grimsby could count themselves unfortunate not to take an early lead when a whipped cross from the right was contested by striker Wes Thomas and Swindon defender Sid Nelson.

A loose ball was fumbled by Vigouroux, prompting Nelson to make a rushed clearance as the visitors cleared their lines.

Michael Doughty made a bursting run through the centre of midfield to create Swindon’s first chance of the tie with 10 minutes played.

However, his left-footed effort lacked pace and was tipped wide by home goalkeeper James McKeown.

Wellens’ men displayed signs of composure despite a shaky opening five minutes – Kaiyne Woolery watched his shot blocked while control was established on the left wing, an area that the hosts appeared to control in the opening exchanges.

Swindon’s gradual pressure led to a pin-ball scramble inside the six-yard box following an inswinging corner from Matt Taylor on the right.

The visitors’ hard work was undone with 24 minutes played though as Sid Nelson handled the ball inside the penalty area, gifting Grimsby a chance to take the lead from 12 yards.

Though Vigouroux guessed Wes Thomas’ aim, he could only fist the ball into the top corner as the Mariners established a first-half lead.

Barely enough time was granted for home fans to celebrate before Swindon equalised though as Matt Taylor struck with a trademark free kick.

The veteran midfielder placed his left-footed effort into McKeown’s bottom right corner, immediately drawing the contest level.

Taylor’s equaliser did little to dampen the home side’s eagerness to push forwards – Thomas laid the ball off to Embleton just after the half-hour mark, but his powerful strike was directed into the arms of Vigouroux.

A goalmouth cross from the byline courtesy of the dangerous Charles Vernam created the Mariners’ next chance. The ball was met by Thomas, who was facing away from Vigouroux’s net – allowing Town’s stopper to scramble two hands to the ball.

Two long distance strikes from Matt Taylor rounded off the half as Wellens’ troops entered the half level, knowing they would be kicking into the wind in the second 45.

Swindon started the second half with good energy as Iandolo – who was later forced off the field with a cut nose – fed Kaiyne Woolery into the penalty area, who saw his shot blocked.

Grimsby responded through the dangerous link-up play between winger Pringle and forward Thomas.

The latter flicked a header directly into the hands of a well-placed Vigouroux, who cleared any danger.

Elijah Adebayo emerged as Town’s biggest threat on the hour mark after a flick from six yards was superbly tipped wide by McKeown.

Swindon’s build-up counted for nothing though as Grimsby re-established their one-goal lead when Wes Thomas bagged his second after pouncing on a rebound from Vigouroux’s initial save.

Further drama unfolded immediately after kick-off as referee Scott Oldham appeared to point towards Swindon’s penalty spot when James Dunne tangled with the hosts’ attacking man.

A goal kick was instead awarded – prompting outrage from the home faithful – before Adebayo burst clear into a one-on-one opportunity with only McKeown to beat.

Adebayo fluffed his lines again, though, before the rebound was hit wide by Dunne – who should’ve comfortably equalised.

A 10-minute lull followed, during which Swindon controlled the game but failed to create any chance of note.

That prompted boss Wellens to make his first two changes – as Steven Alzate and Jermaine McGlashan came on in place of Ellis Iandolo and Scott Twine.

Both changes did little to threaten Grimsby’s back four, as Swindon increasingly started to struggle with the strong headwind.

Nonetheless, striker Kaiyne Woolery continued to cause problems.

Grimsby goalkeeper James McKeown was again called upon as he was forced into a near post save after Woolery evaded two home defenders.

Wellens' final roll of the dice saw him replace Kyle Knoyle with striker Sol Pryce. 

However Pryce couldn't repeat his heroics from Town's tie against Stevenage as Grimsby held on for three points.