Andy Cook says the Mariners’ hard work paid off as Town secured an important 3-2 victory over Crewe Alexandra at Blundell Park.

The striker scored twice as the Mariners took control of the contest before late Crewe goals narrowed the scoreline, helping Town secure a valuable three points at a crucial stage of the season.

Here’s everything he had to say after the game…

On securing a big three points

Cook believes the result was vital for the Mariners as the campaign approaches its final weeks.

“Yeah, massive,” he said.

“Especially off the back of the win at Crawley.

“Obviously we wanted to put things right after our last home game here and we started off really well.

“I know we had a little bit of a scare at the end, but we’ve got over the line and got the three points.”

On dealing with the conditions

With strong winds affecting the game, Cook admitted the players had to adapt throughout the afternoon.

“It was difficult,” he said.

“It was blowing all over the place.

“We had to battle the conditions as well as the opposition, but thankfully we did that and came away with the three points.”

On scoring twice for the Mariners

The striker took his tally to seven goals since joining the club and says he always backs himself to find the net.

“I always back myself to score goals,” he said.

“Personally, I wanted to put things right after the last game and thankfully I’ve done that today.

“I just want to keep doing what I’m doing and hopefully we can keep pushing up the right end of the table and get into the play-offs.”

On the dressing room reaction

Despite the late goals conceded, Cook says the squad remained positive after the final whistle.

“Everyone’s still happy,” he said.

“Of course Jacko will be disappointed to concede two late goals, but the main thing was getting the three points and we’ve done that.”

On focusing on the next game

While results elsewhere may have helped Town’s position, Cook says the players are keeping their focus on their own performances.

“The lads will probably have had a look at the table,” he said.

“But we just need to keep doing what we’re doing, concentrate on the next game and then the one after that.

“If we keep doing the right things hopefully we can get ourselves in there.”

On the trip to Chesterfield

Attention now turns to Town’s next challenge against Chesterfield, with Cook expecting another big occasion.

“It’s the business end of the season and we’re fighting for something,” he said.

“It’s not like the season’s done, so everyone’s looking forward to getting into the next game.

“Hopefully we can keep doing what we’ve been doing.”

On enjoying his football again

Cook also admitted he is relishing his football after a difficult period before joining the Mariners.

“I had a horrific year before I came here where I wasn’t playing games,” he said.

“Now I’ve come here and I’m happy again.

“I’m playing games and thankfully I’m scoring goals, so I can’t wait for each game.”

On the support from the Town fans

The striker also praised the backing from the Mariners supporters after hearing his name sung from the stands.

“It’s always nice,” he said.

“Maybe I’ve done something right this week!

“The fans have been brilliant.”

You can watch Andy Cook’s full post-match interview with club media below:

UTM