Charles Vernam says the Mariners showed the perfect response as they returned to winning ways in emphatic style, highlighting the importance of ruthlessness and resilience in the final stages of the season.

The winger was on the scoresheet in a 4-1 victory over Gillingham, as Town produced a dominant performance to keep their play-off push firmly on track.

Here’s everything he had to say following the win…

On the response to Tuesday night

Vernam admitted the squad were determined to bounce back and deliver a positive result.

“Yeah, it’s really positive for us as a group,” he said.

“We needed to win the game to keep in touch and keep the pressure on those above us.

“It’s nice to bounce back after Tuesday because we were all disappointed.

“To have a result and performance like that is really positive.”

On the overall performance

The winger felt Town were in control for large spells and deserved their victory.

“I think we played really well, especially first half,” he said.

“We had a 15-minute spell in the second half where they got on top, but it could maybe have been more comfortable before that.

“We had balls flashing across the six-yard box that we didn’t quite get on the end of.

“But in the last 20 minutes, we were finishing where we needed to.”

On responding to setbacks

After conceding early in the second half, Vernam praised the team’s ability to reset and regain control.

“They changed slightly what they were doing and were more aggressive,” he explained.

“That can’t shock us.

“It’s a disappointing goal to concede, but we bounced back from it.

“That’s what it’s going to take over these last three games.”

On Andy Cook’s goal

Vernam was full of praise for his teammate’s clinical finishing.

“He’s absolutely lethal,” he said.

“Whenever he gets a chance, you expect him to score.

“He’s deserved that because he’s worked hard as well.”

On his return to scoring

After a recent spell out through injury, Vernam was pleased to be back on the scoresheet.

“Yeah, definitely,” he said.

“I didn’t miss long and I’d scored in my last three before that.

“It’s only a few weeks ago I was scoring at Notts County, so that confidence sticks with you.

“It was a nice move and something we’ve worked on all week.”

On his goal

Vernam revealed the move that led to his strike had been rehearsed in training.

“We’ve worked on it all week,” he said.

“Playing into Andy, setting it off and getting crosses into the box.

“For me, it’s about being in the right finishing position.

“They’re nervy ones at the back post, but I got a good contact and next thing you know you’re in with the fans.”

On celebrating with the supporters

The winger described the feeling of scoring in front of the travelling Mariners as unmatched.

“There’s honestly no feeling like it,” he said.

“They’re absolutely incredible.

“It’s why I love the club so much, what the supporters give us.

“To be able to give them something to cheer is brilliant.”

On being clinical

Vernam believes Town’s cutting edge in front of goal made the difference on the day.

“When we needed to be ruthless, we were,” he said.

“It’s something we’ve needed to do more this season.

“We create a lot of chances, but we’ve probably missed too many at times.

“To win 4-1 is great, especially for goal difference.”

On the run-in

With three games remaining, Vernam is relishing the challenge ahead.

“These are the games you want to be involved in,” he said.

“You want to be playing for something at the top end of the table.

“It’s an important week for the club and we’ll be ready to go.”

On facing Cambridge

Looking ahead, the winger knows another big test awaits.

“It doesn’t get much bigger at this point of the season,” he said.

“They’re pushing for automatic promotion, so it’ll be a tough game.

“But we’ll prepare right and give everything we’ve got.”

On the supporters’ role

Vernam ended with a message of appreciation and unity for the fans.

“Just the same as they always give us,” he said.

“They’re incredible.

“Another long trip on a Tuesday night and I’m sure they’ll be there in numbers again.

“We’re all in it together and we’ll give everything to get what they deserve.”

With momentum restored and confidence high, the Mariners now turn their focus to Tuesday’s trip to Cambridge as the fight for promotion continues.

You can watch Charles Vernam’s full post-match interview here:

UTM