David Artell praised a “top draw” performance from his side as the Mariners secured a huge victory over Swindon Town to confirm their place in the play-offs.

In front of a sold-out Blundell Park, Town delivered when it mattered most, combining quality, intensity and composure to get over the line and extend their season.

Here’s everything the Head Coach had to say following the win…

On a “top draw” performance

Artell was full of praise for his side’s display against a strong Swindon outfit.

“They’re a dangerous team, a good team,” he said.

“They were above us before the start of the game, so we’ve had to play well, and we did.

“I thought our level of performance today, across the board, every player who stepped onto the pitch, was top draw.

“That’s what it takes.”

On securing a play-off place

While acknowledging the achievement, Artell was quick to keep things in perspective.

“It’s a terrific achievement,” he said.

“But we haven’t done anything other than extend our season by at least two games.

“That was the minimum aim really, so now we’ve got to keep going.”

On the impact of the supporters

The Head Coach highlighted the role played by the Blundell Park crowd in driving the team forward.

“I’ve never done this before, but I went up to my office before the game just to look out and take in the atmosphere,” he said.

“I thought the crowd were terrific. They were ready to go before the ball was even kicked.

“When we get that early penalty, it takes the roof off and they played a huge part today.”

On a fast start settling the nerves

Town’s early goal helped set the tone for the afternoon.

“It was always going to be a tense, nervy game,” he said.

“But that early goal settled everyone down and gave us a platform.”

On Jaze Kabia’s hat-trick heroics

Artell reserved special praise for his striker after a standout individual performance.

“He’s a natural goalscorer,” he said.

“His third goal was terrific – a long ball and he’s in before the goalkeeper can even adjust.

“He deserves a huge amount of credit for scoring three goals.”

On Kabia’s mentality

The Head Coach was particularly pleased with the forward’s hunger to keep improving.

“He was gutted when I brought him off because he wants the golden boot,” he said.

“I love that attitude.

“That’s what we’re trying to create – players who constantly want more and never settle.”

On building momentum at the right time

Artell believes his side’s form is no accident, pointing to their consistency over recent months.

“Since Christmas, we’d be top of the league,” he said.

“We knew there was a spell where we deserved more points than we got, but we’re where we are on merit.

“We’ve just got to keep it going.”

On the mindset within the group

The Town boss stressed the importance of ambition and continuous improvement.

“We’re nowhere near where we need to be,” he said.

“That’s the demanding nature of professional sport.

“I want more for myself, more for the players and more for this football club.

“If you’ve got that mentality across the whole group, you keep moving forward.”

On a milestone moment for the club

The victory secured Town’s first EFL play-off appearance in two decades, something Artell believes reflects a wider shift at the club.

“When I first came here, it felt like people were just happy to be in the league,” he said.

“That’s not the mindset we want.

“We’ve got to keep looking upwards, keep improving and keep pushing.”

On the supporters’ role moving forward

Artell once again paid tribute to the Mariners faithful and called for more of the same in the weeks ahead.

“The fans have been magnificent,” he said.

“We’ve taken incredible numbers away from home and packed the stadium again today.

“They’ve played a huge part and we’re going to need them again in the play-offs.”

On what comes next

With the play-offs secured, attention now turns to maintaining standards and finishing the season strongly.

“We’ll rest up, enjoy tomorrow night at the awards, and then get ready for next week,” he said.

“It’s about improving, keeping going and seeing where it takes us.”

With momentum building and the play-offs now confirmed, the Mariners head into the final stages of the season full of belief, determination and togetherness.

You can watch David Artell’s full post-match interview below:

UTM