David Artell faced the media following Town’s impressive 3-1 victory over Salford City at Blundell Park, as the Mariners made it six points from six this week.

Three goals in nine ruthless first-half minutes put Town firmly in control, before a strong contribution from the bench ensured the game was seen out comfortably.

Here’s everything the boss had to say…

On the overall performance:

“Yeah, I thought we were good,” Artell began.

“A bit of a wobble at the start of the second half, but in the end I thought the subs were very good tonight. They wrestled the momentum back and then we saw it out comfortably.”

The Mariners needed time to find their rhythm in the first half, with Artell admitting the opening stages lacked incision.

“We sort of wasted the first 20 minutes. We weren’t risking the ball. We beat the press because of how they set up and what we did, and then we kept going backwards.

“It was like, no, you don’t need to go backwards – go on.”

Once that message filtered through, Town struck with devastating effect.

“Once we worked that out and got that message on to them, we suddenly went bang, bang, bang and scored three goals in nine minutes.

“And you can’t say it weren’t deserved.”

On the second half response:

Salford pulled a goal back after the break following an unfortunate rebound, and Artell acknowledged there was a brief shift in momentum.

“I thought, hang on a minute, there’s a bit of momentum going their way. Jacko makes an unbelievable save, it goes straight to their lad and he taps it in.

“But after we made the subs, we saw the game out comfortably.”

The Town boss was particularly pleased with the impact from the bench.

“Jaze was outstanding when he came on, his energy was brilliant. George and Jamie did the same. They wrestled the initiative our way with their energy as much as anything else, as well as their ability.

“I thought they were very good.”

On backing up Saturday’s win:

After victory at Meadow Lane at the weekend, Artell was delighted to see his side follow it up.

“It’s pleasing. We’ve backed up a good performance and a good win on Saturday with another good win tonight.

“We’ve got six points out of six this week and we’ve got another game coming up against the top of the table on Saturday lunchtime.

“We’re as happy as we can be after two of those three games, really.”

Town’s current run now stands at one defeat in 13 matches.

“That’s eight wins and four draws. That’s a decent run. And we’ve got to keep that going.”

On remembering Cameron Walsh:

Both fixtures this week featured a 19th-minute applause to remember Cameron Walsh on what would have been his 19th birthday.

Artell spoke movingly about the former Academy player.

“He was a good guy. When such a tragic accident happens, it affects everyone.

“That day was tough for everyone at the football club when we found out. He’ll always be part of us. He’ll be part of this football club’s journey for a very, very long time because he had a bright future. He was a good kid.

“We speak about community, family and togetherness a lot. When one of yours is taken too soon, we have to remember them the best we can and do our bit for his mum and the rest of the family.

“Hopefully we’ve done him proud in these two games around his birthday.”

On Charles Vernam’s form:

Fresh from signing a new contract earlier in the week, Vernam delivered again with a goal and an assist, taking his tally to 23 goal contributions for the season.

“I think we said all we needed to say on Saturday,” Artell smiled.

“He’s a great bloke and he deserves all the applause he gets.

“It helps when he’s got other good players around him, and he has, but he’s got to work extremely hard and show the ability he’s got. He’s done that again tonight and helped us to a fantastic win.”

On Jude Soonsup-Bell’s milestone:

Jude Soonsup-Bell marked the night with his first league goal for the club, powering home an excellent header.

“I just said to him, first goal, and he said, no, no, no,” Artell laughed. “He scored one in the Copa del Rey!

“But I’m delighted for him. You can see what he brings.

“That’s eight games, eight wins when he’s played. The disappointing thing is we conceded while he was on the pitch, which was unusual!”

On the goal itself, Artell was full of praise.

“There wasn’t much pace on the cross from Darragh. He’s had to direct it and really arch his neck to get it in the corner. I thought it was a fantastic header.”

On squad depth and maintaining standards:

Artell was keen to stress that every member of the squad will be required in the weeks ahead.

“It’s going to need them all. Even the ones not involved tonight; Ty Sellers-Fleming, Justin, Ty Warren, Sam, Clarke Oduor. We’ve got Cam Gardner coming back soon.

“We’re going to need them all to maintain the levels. When you’re called upon, you best be ready because we’re giving ourselves a good platform.”

On the atmosphere:

While pleased with the result, Artell called for even greater backing from the stands.

“It was a bit of a strange game. There was no atmosphere.

“I don’t want fans saying I’m having a go, but come on – we need you. We’re all part of it and we all want the same thing.

“There might be an intense game in four weeks’ time where we’re going to need you. So let’s improve that.”

On Evan Khouri’s injury:

Evan Khouri was forced off after taking a kick to the knee, though Artell moved to reassure supporters.

“He got a kick on his knee, so he’s not twisted it or anything like that.

“It’ll probably swell up a bit, we’ll ice it and assess him in the morning. Those things tend to subside quickly, so we’ll patch him up and see if he’s good to go again for Saturday.”

Another three points. Another strong performance. Momentum maintained.

Attention now turns to Saturday’s lunchtime clash with the league leaders, as the Mariners look to make it an outstanding week.

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

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