David Artell spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime clash with league leaders Bromley at Blundell Park, as the Mariners look to build on an impressive week in Sky Bet League Two.

Back-to-back victories over Notts County and Salford City have strengthened Town’s position in the promotion race, with Artell’s side now enjoying a strong run of form heading into another huge test.

Here’s everything the boss had to say…

On the recent run of form:

Town head into the weekend having lost just once in their last 13 matches, a sequence that has helped propel them firmly into the play-off conversation.

Artell was quick to keep the perspective simple.

“I’d rather have lost one in 13 than only won one in 13, that’s for sure.”

While pleased with the momentum building within the squad, the Mariners boss acknowledged the team are still chasing ground.

“We know we’re playing catch-up without a shadow of a doubt.”

With a demanding schedule continuing throughout March, Artell believes maintaining focus will be key.

“We’re in the middle of a tough week before we get a little breather next week, and then we’ve got five games in two weeks after that.

“We know the games come thick and fast this month.”

On Zak Gilsenan’s loan move:

Midfielder Zak Gilsenan was recalled from his loan spell with Buxton earlier this week before joining Gateshead on loan for the remainder of the season.

Artell explained the thinking behind the move, which forms part of the player’s longer-term development plan.

“The first thing to say is that Zak came to the club having not played for a long, long time, and we needed to make sure we got him fit and training regularly without putting pressure on him to perform.”

After gaining valuable minutes at a lower level, the next step is now about raising the challenge.

“He went to a level beneath him in that sense and he did brilliant.

“Now we’re trying him a league higher. It’s all part of his development, just a different route to achieve the same end goals.”

The decision also came with the full backing of the player himself.

“He actually suggested it, which is pleasing because it shows somebody taking real ownership of their career and development plan.”

Gilsenan has already made his debut for Gateshead after playing over 80 minutes in their midweek victory.

“That’s the challenge now. It’s an increase in level and a consistent level with Saturday-Tuesday games.”

On the squad sharing the goals around:

Town’s attacking threat has been spread throughout the squad this season, highlighted by Jude Soonsup-Bell becoming the club’s 20th different goalscorer across all competitions following his header against Salford.

For Artell, that statistic underlines the collective strength of the squad.

“Number nines are really, really expensive relatively speaking.

“We don’t want to be relying on one player.”

Instead, the Mariners boss believes variety in goalscorers makes Town a much tougher opponent to prepare for.

“If you rely on one player you risk things going wrong.

“We want goals from all over the pitch and from different areas, because that makes you harder to play against.”

On facing the league leaders:

Attention now turns to the visit of Bromley, who currently sit top of Sky Bet League Two.

Artell insists their position is fully deserved.

“They’re not top of the league just because they score from set pieces. I think that’s hugely unfair.

“They’re a good team and they’re there on merit.”

While Bromley’s effectiveness from dead-ball situations is well known, Artell believes their strengths go beyond that.

“I think their press is outstanding.

“Everyone knows how they play, it’s no secret, but they’re extremely effective at it.”

With the best away record in the division, the challenge is clear.

“I think they’ve got the best away record in the league.

“But we’re not overawed by facing a really strong competitor.”

On Bromley’s unbeaten run:

Bromley arrive on the longest unbeaten run across the top four divisions, having gone 17 league games without defeat.

However, Artell insists how they approach the game is something only their manager can answer.

“That’s a question for Andy, not me.”

From Town’s perspective, the focus remains firmly inward.

“We’ve just got to concentrate on ourselves.”

Artell also believes the reverse fixture earlier in the season did not reflect the Mariners at their best.

“We didn’t do ourselves justice down there.

“It was one of our poorer displays this season. We haven’t had many, but that was one of them.”

Looking ahead:

With confidence high following consecutive victories, Artell expects another fiercely competitive contest at Blundell Park.

“We know the challenge that lies ahead of us.

“But like we’ve done not just in these past two games, but in the last 13 or so, we’ll need everyone again.”

And with plenty at stake as the season enters its decisive phase, the Town boss is anticipating an exciting encounter.

“It should be a bit of a cracker.”

You can watch David Artell’s full pre-match interview with the club media here:

UTM