David Artell hopes the Grimsby Town faithful continue to support the team as they continue on their “journey” of progression under the new boss, with Harrogate Town up next at home.
The Mariners were victorious in Artell’s first home game in charge against his old team Crewe Alexandra. They will look to make it two from two at Blundell Park under the new gaffer, which will also continue their unbeaten run in the league, which is currently at six games.
A win for Town would take them above Harrogate, who are currently 16th in League Two, and likely buoyant from their win over Notts County at home last weekend. However, Simon Weaver’s team have been stronger away from home this term, winning half of their 10 matches on the road, which is something Artell feels should be considered.
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He said: “They’ll be well organised and well drilled, Simon [Weaver] is intelligent and understands the game well. He has been there a long time so he knows the club and his team inside out.
“We know it is going to be a difficult nut to crack, but they are where they are on the table for a reason and we’ve got to try and expose that. We’re at home and on an unbeaten run – I’ll say the same thing for the next game against Mansfield – we expect to win.
“They clearly feel comfortable [playing away] and I think it suits them when the emphasis is on the opposition to come at them. We must ensure that we’re secure behind the ball create moments and have control.
“The emphasis is on us to get the fans out of their seats, but like every game we’re going to need them. I hope they’ve enjoyed what they’ve seen so far and keep getting behind us.”
As they did against Crewe, Grimsby will look to get on the front foot from the off against Saturday’s opponents and control the possession and territory to stifle any threats going the other way.
Artell wants to see his side produce more big moments with that control than they did last time out away at Newport County and win the psychological battle with both teams heading into the fixture in good spirits.
“Most crucially, we have got to make sure the ball goes in their net because goals change games and force them to come at us which leaves more space in behind.
“We’ve got to make sure that we deflect any optimism they may bring into the game from their away form, it is the psychological battle that takes place. We’re good at home, so we’ve got to make sure that remains the case.
“We’ve got to make sure we have more control so we limit the opposition and create more at the other end, more of those moments that we had [against Newport]. The players are still learning and it is not going to be a smooth journey.”
Original story at https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/