Jackson Smith says the Mariners are staying grounded and focused as they look to respond this weekend, insisting the play-off push remains firmly in their control.

Following Tuesday night’s narrow defeat, the goalkeeper believes the squad have reacted in the right way and are ready to go again.

Here’s everything he had to say ahead of the trip to Gillingham…

On the reaction to Tuesday night

Smith admitted the result was disappointing but says the squad have quickly moved on.

“Obviously it wasn’t the result we wanted,” he said.

“But it’s another game. If that game happens in November or September, you just roll on to the next one.

“It’s a good group, we all get on really well, we’ve picked each other up and now we head into Gillingham.”

On supporting Reece Staunton

The goalkeeper praised both Staunton’s courage and the collective support within the squad following his late penalty miss.

“It’s a great group, we look after each other,” he said.

“He’s had the guts to step up and take it in that moment.

“He’s a great penalty taker, we’ve seen it in training.

“For whatever reason the keeper’s dived the right way and made a good save.

“You’ve got to give the goalie credit. On another day Reece scores and it’s brilliant.”

On penalty preparation

Smith offered insight into the detailed preparation goalkeepers undertake ahead of spot-kicks.

“We do a lot of work,” he explained.

“Me and Stevie sit down with Seb and Christy and go through all the penalties.

“We look at run-ups, triggers, patterns – right down to the younger lads who might take one.

“We make our decision beforehand, but if something changes in the moment, you’ve got the licence to go with your instinct.”

On the travelling support

Smith was full of praise for the 1,000+ Mariners who backed the team on Tuesday night.

“It was amazing,” he said.

“I couldn’t believe the numbers and the noise they were making.

“I think it’s a really good moment for the club; everyone’s aligned, the fans, the players, the staff.

“On behalf of the boys, just thank you, because they’ve been brilliant.”

On his time at the Club

The goalkeeper says he has embraced every moment of his time with the Mariners so far.

“I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said.

“However many games are left, I’m going to cherish them all.

“Football’s a strange game, you don’t know what’s around the corner, so you’ve got to enjoy it.”

On the connection with supporters

Smith shared a personal story that highlights the bond between the players and the fanbase.

“I met a fan on the high street over Christmas and he invited me to spend Christmas Day with his family,” he revealed.

“I didn’t end up going, but just the gesture shows what a brilliant fanbase and community we’ve got.”

On special moments off the pitch

The goalkeeper also reflected on a memorable experience with young supporter Rio.

“Seeing his face when we walked out was brilliant,” he said.

“It reminds you why football is so special.

“There can be tough times as a player, but moments like that mean everything.

“I’ve definitely made a friend in Rio.”

On the play-off push

With four games remaining, Smith insists the focus remains simple.

“It’s just another game,” he said.

“We’re not dressing it up as anything else.

“It’s another chance to put three points on the board.

“If we keep putting in the performances we have been, I’m sure we’ll be in a good place come the end of the season.”

On Gillingham

Smith is expecting a difficult test but is confident Town can rise to the challenge.

“They’re always tough to play against,” he said.

“It was actually my first game in a Grimsby shirt away there, and we won 1-0.

“So hopefully something similar, a clean sheet would be nice.”

On the bigger picture

Despite the tight nature of the race, Smith says there is still plenty to play for.

“There’s a lot of big games around us,” he said.

“Teams have got to play each other.

“We’ve been in and out of it, and other teams will be saying the same.

“The important thing is we focus on what we can control.”

On the supporters’ role

Smith ended with a clear message for the fans heading into the final games.

“Just keep being yourselves,” he said.

“Keep turning up in numbers and driving us on.

“They create an amazing atmosphere and show real pride.

“We’ll try and reflect that on the pitch, we’re all in this together.”

With the season reaching its defining moments, the Mariners head to Gillingham determined to respond and keep their promotion hopes alive.

You can watch Jackson Smith’s full pre-Gillingham interview with the club media here:

UTM