Shaun Pearson was in front of the media ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two trip to Bristol Rovers, reflecting on the midweek draw with Walsall, discussing the importance of defensive standards and previewing another significant test on the road.

Here’s everything he had to say on the key topics…

On the lessons from the draw with Walsall…

“If you’d have said after half an hour, the way Walsall were playing and the way we’d started the game, that we’d get a point, you’d probably have taken it,” Pearson admitted.

“But obviously going 2-1 up against ten men, it was disappointing not to hold on to that lead.

“If we’d got through the first couple of minutes after scoring, maybe we go on and get a third. It just shows the importance of set plays.”

The two goals conceded from corners were a rarity for Town.

“They were the first two headers we’ve conceded in the league from first contact in the box, so that’s something we were pleased with before Wednesday night. We want to get back to defending those situations much better.”

On competing physically in League Two…

“We know we’re not the biggest team,” he explained. “When we play some of the bigger sides in terms of stature, it’s a real challenge.

“But on the whole we’ve done well and I think the players have built confidence from that. Hopefully Wednesday was just a little blip and we can get back to where we were.”

On the play off picture and the league table…

The draw leaves Town just three points off the play-off places, but Pearson insists the focus remains internal.

“Each player is different. When I was playing, I’d look at the table all the time – I was fascinated by it,” he smiled.

“But as long as when we cross that white line we’re fully focused on our performance, that’s the most important thing. On the whole this season, we’ve had that.”

On the team’s recent form…

Despite the frustration on Wednesday, Town remain on one of the strongest runs in the division.

“We feel like we’ve played well for a consistent period now,” Pearson said. “That doesn’t mean there aren’t dips, the first half the other night was one of them.

“But if we continue to perform well, create chances and not give up too many, you give yourself the best possible chance of getting three points.”

When told the Mariners are currently on the fourth-best run in the EFL, Pearson laughed: “I wouldn’t have known that, so that probably tells you a lot. We just take each game on its own merit.”

On Jamie Walker’s influence…

“Jamie’s very important,” Pearson said after the midfielder’s two assists in midweek.

“You never know when you’re going to be called upon. It could be ten minutes where you’re the difference-maker or five minutes to see a game out.

“Jamie’s done very well recently and he put his case forward very well on Wednesday night.”

On Charles Vernam’s impact from the bench…

“I thought when Charles came on the other night, we saw the Charles Vernam we all want to see,” Pearson added.

“He was very positive, had a great strike that forced a good save, and even for the second goal his overlapping run created the space for Jamie.

“Whether it’s from the start or as a sub, those contributions are crucial. Since Christmas especially, the lads coming off the bench have played key parts in winning games.”

On the challenge posed by Bristol Rovers…

Pearson expects a different test this weekend.

“They’ll pose different problems to what Newport did, for example. We have to deal with their threats but also assert ourselves on the game.

“When we’re at it and in full flow, we can create chances against anybody. The aim is simple – create as many as possible and give up as few as possible.

“If we can get a positive start and stay on the front foot, that gives us the best chance of getting the three points.”

Despite Rovers’ physical approach, Pearson insists Town will focus on themselves.

“We’ll stick to our principles. If they end up fouling us a lot, great – that gives us opportunities from set plays. The key message is to try and be the best version of us for as long as we can.”

On the travelling support…

With another long trip ahead, Pearson was full of praise for the Mariners’ away following.

“They’re phenomenal. The numbers they travel in and the noise they make is exceptional.

“It feels like we could go anywhere in the country and there’d still be hundreds of Grimsby fans there.

“That’s wonderful from our perspective and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about.”

You can watch Shaun Pearson’s full pre-Bristol Rovers interview with the club media here:

With Town firmly in the mix as the season enters its business end, another strong away performance could prove crucial.

UTM