GRIMSBY T 1
McEachran 64
NEWPORT CO 0
David Artell felt Grimsby Town were dominant in the home victory over Newport County which moved them back into the play-off positions.
The Mariners boss envisages a few more twists and turns in the race for a top-seven finish with eight games to go, but his side did what they needed to do against Newport to get back to winning ways.
George McEachran’s deflected free-kick in the 64th minute was all that separated the two sides in Cleethorpes.
But Artell felt his side could have easily won by more goals.
Dominant
“I think it was the most comprehensive 1-0 win we’ve had all season,” he said.
“We were totally dominant until the last ten to 15 minutes when it got a bit nervy.
“If it was 3-0 at half-time, I don’t think anyone would’ve complained, but in the end, it’s all the same – it goes down to another three points on the board, and deservedly so.”
But Artell warned: “A lot can still change in eight games.”
Match action
The hosts had a golden chance to go ahead only three minutes in as Luca Barrington was played through on goal by Evan Khouri, but Nick Townsend saved.
Kieran Green was then denied by Townsend later in the half as Grimsby spurned a few chances to go ahead.
Shane McLoughlin fired wide with a volley before Michael Spellman was beaten in a race to the ball with Grimsby stopper Jorden Wright just before the break.
A free-kick from McEachran in the 64th minute breached the wall and wrong-footed Townsend to give the home side the lead.
Wright made a good save diving to his right to deny substitute Josh Martin after the hosts had been dispossessed in their own half.
Khouri headed just over the bar from a Barrington cross as Grimsby looked to extend their lead.
Frustrating
Newport boss Nelson Jardim said: “It’s always frustrating when you lose.
“Still, we showed a side of being hard to beat and there were spells when we defended well.
“How we conceded the goal was frustrating and set-plays in general are costing us a lot of points away.
“We were still in the game at the end and the changes improved the team while not being able to score a goal.
“We have more games to play away, and if we keep on improving, hopefully we’ll finish the season with some good results on the road.”
Player ratings
Grimsby Town: Wright 8, Warren 7, Tharme 7, Rodgers 7, Svanthorsson 6, McEachran 8 (Thompson 90+1), Khouri 7, Hume 7, Green 7, Rose 7, Barrington 7 (Luker 74, 6). Subs not used: Eastwood, Ainley, Davies, Burns, Carson.
Newport County: Townsend 7, C.Evans 6 (Antwi 75, 6), Clarke 7, Baker 6, Thomas 7, Brennan 7, McLoughlin 7, Driscoll-Glennon 6, Ajiboye 6 (Whitmore 60, 6), Baker-Richardson 7, Spellman 6 (Martin Subs not used: Webb, Warner, Greaves, K.Evans.
Attendance: 5,339 Rating: ★★★ Referee: Alan Young 6/10
Star Man – George McEachran (Grimsby Town)
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