David Artell used Grimsby Town's Jersey Mike's Trophy opener to give vital minutes to several returning players, a priority he placed above the result of a late 2-1 defeat at Notts County. The manager said the match was about building fitness for a squad that sits third in League Two with 13 points from seven games.
Artell pointed to the returns of defender Reece Staunton, who had been injured, and Doug Thame, who last played for Cleethorpes Town after a pre-season injury, as key successes. Both played for about an hour at Meadow Lane. Goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright, signed to be the club's number one this term but injured before the first competitive game, managed 45 minutes in his first action in close to a year.
"I would much rather focus on the minutes for Reece Staunton and Doug Thame for an hour, and then Harvey Cartwright with 45 minutes," Artell said. He also gave playing time to Joe Foulkes, Edon Pruti, Fin Cartwright and Sonny Finch, whom he described as outstanding. Justin Amaluzor returned from missing the last four league games with a substitute appearance, a quick comeback Artell credited to the medical staff.
To accommodate the players needing match sharpness, Artell deployed a back three with wing-backs, a formation change he said was dictated by personnel rather than tactical preference. He acknowledged many of those involved had never played together before but felt the team acquitted themselves well despite the limited prior cohesion.
The match itself saw Notts County take a first-half lead through Callum Roberts. Grimsby improved after tactical adjustments at half-time and equalised through Jayden Sweeney's 79th-minute strike, assisted by Jamie Walker. The hosts won it with the last kick of the game, a 97th-minute goal from Oliver Cooper that Artell felt should have been ruled out.
"It’s not about the result for us, but it would help if the assistant put his flag up for an offside goal because their lad was offside for the rebound," the manager stated. He added he would rather such a controversial incident happen in this competition than any other, and believed his side deserved a draw based on their second-half display.
Artell expressed gratitude that the club's owners do not pressure the team to win Trophy games, allowing them to use the matches for development and to let players make mistakes. He said there have been 'loads of little wins' from bringing players back into the fold, which strengthens the squad for the league campaign.
The immediate focus now shifts back to League Two, where Grimsby's recent form reads two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five outings. The Mariners will aim to maintain their strong early-season position, just two points behind leaders Barnet.
First reported at Grimsby Live
