David Artell admitted his side should have taken more than a point from Saturday’s goalless draw with Newport County, highlighting a dominant first-half display that ultimately went unrewarded.

The Mariners created a host of opportunities before the break but were unable to find the breakthrough, leaving the manager frustrated at full-time.

“Certainly on a first-half performance we should have been out of sight,” Artell said. “If you don’t take your chances and you’re not ruthless, then you leave yourselves wide open. But we get a point in the end.”

Town struck the woodwork twice and registered nine shots in an impressive opening 45 minutes, yet the contest shifted after the restart as the hosts grew into the game.

“We didn’t keep the ball well at all in the second half, and that’s why we didn’t create many chances,” he explained. “We were good in parts, certainly first half, then not so good in the second half. It doesn’t matter who the opposition is in this league, they’re good enough to be here and you can’t expect them to roll over and give you three points.”

The point extends Town’s unbeaten run and adds another clean sheet, but Artell was clear that his side demand higher standards.

“If we’d have won one and lost one instead of drawing the last two, we’d have more points – that’s the bottom line. It’s about turning performances into points, and today we’ve had half a performance and not a full one.”

Goalkeeper Jackson Smith proved pivotal in preserving the shutout, producing an excellent penalty save in the second half.

“He’s had one big save,” Artell said. “The chances we gave up were our doing because we didn’t keep the ball well enough. Our standards are much higher than what we produced in that second half.”

The manager also confirmed that Sam Lavelle missed the trip after tweaking his calf, with Ty Warren stepping in to help secure the clean sheet, while Jayden Sweeney was left out due to selection.

Reflecting on the missed spot-kick at the other end, Artell was characteristically pragmatic: “They’re good penalties if they go in, not good penalties if they don’t. That’s penalties.”

Despite the frustrations, the Town boss reserved special praise for the travelling supporters who made the long journey to South Wales.

“I know it’s a long way and we’re obviously grateful,” he said. “It’s not a lack of effort from the players – we’d just like a bit more quality for them to give them something really positive to cheer about. They were magnificent again.”

Town will now look to build on the positives, while ensuring their next strong performance is rewarded with all three points, as we face Accrington Stanley on Wednesday evening at Blundell Park.

UTM