Charles Vernam hailed a “hard-earned” and “amazing” afternoon at Meadow Lane after his 85th-minute winner secured a huge three points against Notts County.

In a tight, fiercely contested encounter, it was Vernam’s trademark strike, cutting inside and bending into the far corner, that ultimately settled the game and sparked wild celebrations in front of almost 2,000 travelling Mariners.

Here’s everything he had to say after the final whistle…

On a special away day:

“That wasn’t a bad day at the office, was it?” our Communications Manager asked.

“No, it was amazing. Days like this, to celebrate with the fans and come away with a hard-earned three points, is amazing.

“Hopefully we can keep going now and use this momentum going into a big week.”

With Notts boasting one of the strongest home records in the division, Town knew they were in for a stern test.

“We knew it was going to be a massive test,” he said. “They’re a very good side, play some really good football and there’s a reason why they are where they are in the division.

“We had to stay compact off the ball and take a chance when it came, and we were able to do that.

“I thought all the lads were amazing. The ones that started and the ones that came on. As a unit, we were excellent and in the end I thought we were good value for the three points.”

Defensive discipline and fine margins:

It was a battling performance, with chances at a premium for long spells.

“We know they’re strong playing through the thirds, so we were trying to stop that and keep them on the outside as much as possible,” Vernam explained.

“There were a couple of moments, but nothing massively clear-cut. And when they did get into dangerous positions, everyone defended excellently – strikers, wide forwards, midfielders and defenders.

“And then a really vital save from Jackson at the end as well. It makes it feel even better when it’s hard-earned.”

Town also started the second half with intent, aware of Notts’ record of scoring shortly after the break.

“The gaffer told us they’d scored a majority of their goals in the first 15 minutes after half-time in recent games,” he said.

“So it was really important for us to start quick and not concede. We weathered a little storm and then grew back into the game. We made a couple of tweaks and I think it worked really well.”

“As soon as I hit it, I knew it was in”:

When the decisive moment arrived, it had a familiar look about it.

“It’s a vintage Charles Vernam goal,” he admitted.

“I’d had a couple of moments like that in the game where I couldn’t quite get inside or maybe overran it. But this time the full-back showed me more inside, I got that half-yard and got the shot away.

“As soon as I hit it, I knew it was in. Running off to celebrate with the fans – there’s no feeling like it.”

Vernam had been a constant threat, combining in wide areas and delivering balls into the box, and felt the goal was reward for sustained pressure.

“For me personally it’s about servicing the box and combining to create chances, which we’ve done all season. It was a really pleasing afternoon in general.”

A special moment on 19 minutes:

The afternoon also carried emotional significance, with a minute’s applause held in the 19th minute in memory of Cameron Walsh.

“The ovation on the 19th minute was really, really special,” Vernam said.

“I think we as a club, him and his dad will always be with us and always be part of this family.

“You’re in the game, but you hear the applause. It says a massive thing about Grimsby Town – when you’re part of this family, you’re always part of it.”

Backed by nearly 2,000 Mariners:

The travelling support once again played its part, roaring Town on throughout and celebrating wildly at full-time.

“They’re unbelievable,” Vernam said. “Playing in front of them week in, week out is a massive honour and a massive privilege.

“I think we let them down last weekend, so it was really important to bounce back.

“To have nearly 2,000 at an away day, that’s not normal in this division. We’re incredibly grateful for the support and to celebrate in front of them means the world.”

Momentum heading into a big week:

With only one defeat in the last 12 matches, Town now turn their focus to two crucial fixtures against Salford City and Bromley.

“It was a massive disappointment last weekend,” Vernam admitted. “We were all pretty low.

“So for us it was about getting back to what we are, especially on the ball. I think we showed that at times today and that’s something that will carry us through for the rest of the season.

“We need to get back to us and then we know we can beat anyone in this division.”

And with Blundell Park set to host another big night under the lights, Vernam is clear on what could make the difference once again.

“They’ve been with us all season, even on those really cold December and January nights,” he said.

“It’s up to us to put a performance on that makes them get off their seats. They can really get us over the line.”

You can watch Charles’ full post-match interview with club media here:

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