David Artell expressed that a draw was a fair outcome for Grimsby Town in their match against Newport County, reflecting on a competitive game filled with pivotal moments, including a controversial penalty decision. The contest ended goalless, but the action on the pitch provided plenty for both teams to reflect on, particularly a critical penalty save by Mariners’ goalkeeper Jordan Wright.
The saved penalty was one of several significant contributions from Wright, who helped secure back-to-back clean sheets for Grimsby. While the team’s winning streak on the road came to an end, the Mariners showed resilience in a game where either side could have taken all three points. Artell acknowledged that the clean sheet and the continuation of their unbeaten away run were key positives from the performance.
“It was a game that either team could have won or lost,” Artell admitted. “It was competitive throughout. On one hand, I’m really pleased with the clean sheet and how we’re maintaining our strong run of form away from home. On the other hand, I do wonder if we did enough to win it. We created some excellent chances, but so did they. Ultimately, a draw feels like the right result. On a different day, we might have converted our opportunities and won comfortably, or they could have done the same.”
Artell emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency and ensuring the team avoids defeat in tight contests. “The key takeaway for us is that if you can’t win, then don’t lose,” he continued. “Last season, we might have lost a game like this, so it’s a positive sign that we’ve grown as a team and secured the point. The back four have been solid, and Jordan has been excellent in goal over the last few games, so it’s crucial that we continue building on this defensive stability.”
The match was a test of endurance and discipline, with both teams unable to capitalize on their chances but equally determined not to concede. For Grimsby, the result reflects their improvement in grinding out points in challenging situations, a sign of progress Artell believes they can build on in the coming weeks. While the lack of goals might have been frustrating, the defensive performance and overall determination showcased the Mariners’ growing confidence and ability to adapt under pressure.