Finlay Cartwright enjoyed a winning debut at Blundell Park as Grimsby Town's unbeaten start to the League Two season continued with a 2-0 victory over early leaders Bristol Rovers. The result lifts Grimsby to sixth in the table on 10 points, just two behind new leaders Barnet.

Kieran Green opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Géza Dávid Turi doubled the advantage just before half-time, assisted by Charles Vernam. The win, Grimsby's first at home this season, ended a run of four consecutive draws and maintained their five-match unbeaten streak.

Artell's young gun

Manager David Artell handed 19-year-old loanee Cartwright his second substitute appearance, and the central attacking midfielder from Middlesbrough made an immediate impression. Artell was full of praise for the teenager's potential. "He’s going to be a really good player," Artell said. "He’s only 18, so I’m not sure what they feed him up there. I assume he just sleeps in a grow bag!"

Cartwright, who can also operate on the right, came on against Cheltenham Town the previous week before featuring in the win over Rovers. He expressed his delight at experiencing the home support. "I was happy to get on for the first time at Blundell Park," Cartwright said. "I thought the fans were brilliant and I really enjoyed the game. It was a really satisfying performance and result for us."

The victory was built on a solid defensive display and clinical finishing. After Green's opener, Turi's strike just before the break gave Grimsby a commanding lead they never looked like surrendering. The clean sheet means Grimsby have conceded just six goals in six league games, a foundation for their strong early position.

This positive start provides a platform ahead of a challenging run of fixtures. The Mariners have shown resilience, coming from behind to draw at Cheltenham in their previous outing with goals from Mark Shelton and another from Kieran Green. The squad's depth is being tested, and contributions from new faces like Cartwright are vital. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges via the fixtures schedule.

Grimsby's next assignment is a trip to face Accrington Stanley, a side they drew 2-2 with earlier this month. With the unbeaten run intact and confidence growing, Artell's side will aim to turn more of those draws into wins as they look up the standings. The manager will hope leading scorer J. Kabia, who has 18 goals this season, can continue his form to help maintain their push.

First reported at Grimsby Live