Boss applauds Grimsby’s unity after win at Cheltenham continues impressive run

David Artell hailed Grimsby’s unity as they continued their superb run with a gritty 2-0 victory at Cheltenham in Sky Bet League Two.

Captain Kieran Green opened the scoring with a superb strike from outside the penalty area in the fifth minute.

Substitute Jaze Kabia added the second in the 74th minute, his cross from the right appearing to drift inside the far post without a touch, despite fellow substitute Andy Cook closing in.

The result made it four wins and a draw from five league games since Christmas, with five successive clean sheets.

“We are delighted with the win and another three points on the board, we defended magnificently,” Artell said.

“We weren’t particularly great in possession, but every other facet of the game, we were very good.

“When we got it into the final third, we looked very dangerous all through the game and we had quality to score goals.

“We limited them to very few chances, even though they had the lion’s share of possession.

“They had one big chance, but overall we showed heart, grit and resilience, tracking runners and blocking shots and crosses.

“The fans were magnificent and we could hear them all game. We are all in it together, fans included.

“We are not keeping clean sheets and winning by luck. We are getting to where we need to be and results and reflecting performances.”

Cheltenham had chances to level after Green’s goal, with Jordan Thomas denied by the feet of goalkeeper Jackson Smith in the 24th minute.

Joe Day blocked well from Charles Vernam at the other end a minute later, before debutant Cole Deeming saw a shot strike the left post as the end-to-end action continued.

West Brom loanee Deeming smashed an effort over the bar after a clearance fell to him in the 34th minute.

Robbie Cundy miscued after Luke Young’s cross into the box in the 69th minute, which proved to be Cheltenham’s best chance of an equaliser.

Kabia, introduced after the hour, helped make the points safe as Grimsby saw out the remaining minutes convincingly to record a fifth successive clean sheet and claim 13 points from a possible 15 since Christmas.

Robins boss Steve Cotterill felt his side deserved something from the game.

“I am disappointed we did get anything because we played well enough today, to have won that game,” he said.

“The first goal of theirs is an unbelievable strike, you have to say. For the second, it’s a bit of a mix-up in the box between Robbie (Cundy) and Joe (Day).

“Maybe Robbie can adjust his position slightly and he might get something on that and when he doesn’t you are thinking ‘can Joe get a hand to it and tip it round?’ but sometimes those things happen, especially on days like today.

“But the boys are all in and gave everything, which is why the supporters stayed behind and that was really good.”