David Artell says the Mariners must stay focused on the task ahead while quickly resetting for Friday night’s Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg against Salford City.

Following a hard-fought first leg at Blundell Park, the Town boss admitted there were moments of frustration but insisted the tie remains firmly alive as attention now turns to the decisive return fixture.

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

On a tight first-leg contest

Artell felt the game was evenly balanced overall, but key moments ultimately proved decisive on the day.

“Tight,” he said.

“I don’t think we played as well as we could have done in the first half. We made a couple of critical errors that cost us goals.

“Second half I thought we were much better without really creating loads. It was fairly attritional, but we knew it would be. Two pretty evenly matched teams.

“We’ve just come out on the wrong side of the scoreline.”

On an early lead and missed opportunities

Town made a flying start through a brilliant opening goal from Reece Staunton, but were unable to build on it.

“A terrific goal,” said Artell.

“We got off to a great start but didn’t consolidate it. We then make a critical error and that changes the momentum.

“There were other factors in moments too, but we can’t rely on anything other than ourselves.

“We had a couple of big chances in the first half and didn’t take them. Ultimately, that’s why we haven’t won the game.”

On managing the tie

Despite defeat in the first leg, Artell insists nothing has been decided.

“We’re still in the tie,” he said.

“It’s half-time. There’s still everything to play for.

“We’ve been there before this season. We’ve gone there and won 2-0 before.

“We know what’s required and we’ll go there again fighting.”

On mentality and response

The Town boss says the group has consistently shown resilience throughout the season and expects another reaction on Friday.

“Every time the players have taken a knock, they’ve got back up and come out fighting,” he said.

“I’m sure they’ll do the same again.

“We’ve got to rely on ourselves, not others. If we do that, we give ourselves a chance.”

On the challenge ahead

Artell expects another tight contest in the second leg but says focus must remain on performance rather than the occasion.

“It’s all to play for,” he said.

“We go there knowing what’s required.

“We’ve done it before, and we can do it again.”

With the tie finely poised heading into Friday night, the Mariners now turn their full attention to the second leg as they look to keep their play-off hopes alive.

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

UTM