David Artell spoke to the media following Saturday’s narrow defeat at Oldham Athletic, as the Mariners slipped to a 1-0 loss in Sky Bet League Two.

In what Artell described as a low-quality contest, Town were unable to make the most of their chances before the hosts struck late to claim all three points.

Here’s everything the boss had to say…

On his immediate reaction to the result:

Artell admitted his overriding feeling after the final whistle was disappointment.

“Obviously disappointed.

“I don’t think either team did enough to win it.

“I thought it was a real poor game, a real poor quality game.”

The Mariners boss felt the opening 45 minutes offered very little for either side.

“I thought the first half was a non-event.”

Despite that, Town created two of the game’s best opportunities after the break.

“We’ve had two good chances in the second half.

“The keeper’s pulled off a great save from Greeny and we’ve hit the bar.”

However, with the game still level late on, Oldham were able to find the decisive moment.

“The game needed a goal and unfortunately it’s come against us when we were trying to get the winner.

“I’d much rather try and win the game.”

On the quality of the game:

Artell was particularly frustrated with his side’s performance in possession.

“The quality on the ball. I can’t remember the last time we played that poorly in possession.”

While acknowledging the physical challenge posed by Oldham, the Town boss felt the Mariners still fell below their usual standards.

“Yes, duels were important today.

“Yes, Oldham make you work hard, they’re resolute.

“But I’m on about just us.

“We weren’t good enough in possession.”

Despite the result, Artell pointed out that the Mariners had still created the two clearest openings of the game.

“Like I said, we’ve had the best two chances of the whole game.

“And I think their keeper’s man of the match.”

On the decisive moment:

With both teams struggling to create clear opportunities, Artell felt the contest was largely uneventful until the breakthrough.

“I thought it was a non-event, the game in its entirety, until they scored.

“And it changes the complexion of the game.”

Ultimately, the Mariners boss believed his side had been punished for not managing the closing stages better.

“A draw would have been a fair result.

“But we’ve been punished for not locking the game down in the end.”

On the conditions and training environment:

Artell also highlighted the challenge of maintaining quality on the ball when the team are unable to train regularly on similar surfaces.

“It’s unlike us. It’s a good pitch.

“We don’t train on good pitches – that’s an issue.”

While he acknowledged that as a factor, he was clear it should not be used as an excuse.

“That is a problem for us, but that’s the hand we’re dealt.

“It catches us out sometimes but it’s not an excuse.

“We’ve got to be better.”

On Oldham’s physical approach:

The Town boss also noted the physical nature of the contest.

“They give the most fouls away in the league and you can see why.”

Artell pointed to several incidents during the game, including one involving Géza Dávid Turi.

“The lad absolutely walloped Géza in the face with an arm.”

He also felt there was a strong case for a late penalty.

“There’s a penalty in the last kick.”

However, Artell was also quick to acknowledge that the overall standard of the match was below expectations.

“I thought the referee had a poor game as well.

“But then I can’t really complain when I’m saying my team was poor as well.”

On the wider picture:

Despite the defeat, Artell was keen to stress that the Mariners remain in a strong position overall.

“It’s a missed opportunity whenever you don’t win a game of football.

“Today’s no different.”

However, he emphasised that the bigger picture remains positive.

“We’re still in a great position.”

The Mariners will now look to respond quickly with two important home fixtures on the horizon.

“We’ve got two home games to come to try and rectify it.”

On the travelling supporters:

Artell also took time to praise the Town supporters who made the journey to Oldham.

“The support was unbelievable again, as has come to be expected.

“But it shouldn’t be taken for granted.”

With two home games coming up, he called on the same energy from the Blundell Park crowd.

“We’ve got to make sure we have the same noise on Tuesday and next Saturday.

“Because we’re going to need everyone.”

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

UTM