The late kick off in League Two and Sky Sports pick of the games last night featured a promotion chasing clash in Walsall vs Grimsby Town. With Grimsby securing a narrow 1-0 win away from home here is what Grimsby Town manager David Artell and Walsall manager Matt Sadler had to say…
Walsall vs Grimsby Town: David Artell’s reaction
Despite winning Walsall vs Grimsby Town. Artell was quick to state in his post-match interview that it was their “worst performance of the season with the ball in possession.” While this may seem harsh from the Mariners coach having previously scored no fewer than two goals in their last four games you can perhaps see why he felt his team had another gear to find. Despite some criticism Artell went on to say Grimsby “nullified a lot of their threat” yet
New summer edition Cristy Pym was also praised by his manager as stated that he’d “earnt his wages tonight” as the goalkeeper kept a clean sheet for the first time this season. Despite Pym’s rocky start conceding a penalty away at Harrogate he now looks to be back in fine form making important claims from corners and an impressive double save in last nights fixture.
A big reason for Grimsby Town’s success at the start of this season is no doubt down to the amount of development David Artell has been able to achieve with his squad. With Kirean Green having his best goal scoring season of his senior career last year and hitting the ground running this year with back-to-back POTM’s, Green is just one example of this effective coaching.
This level of development is alluded to within the post-match interview as he states “we challenged him to get more goals and assist” in reference to last night’s only goal scorer Evan Khouri. With Khouri already scoring twice and assisting once this campaign there is a clear correlation with what Artell is doing on the training ground to the pitch.
Artell finished the interview, after Walsall vs Grimsby Town, off by stating that “you can see what we’re doing here, we’re trying to bring the whole town together.” While this may seem dramatic, it is refreshing to see an emphasis being put on the community around the football club where the fans, players and everyone involved benefits.
Due to last night’s 1-0 victory in Walsall vs Grimsby Town, the Mariners currently sit 2nd in League Two with 10 points unbeaten in their first four games (3W 1D).
Walsall vs Grimsby Town: Matt Sadler‘s
On the other side of Walsall vs Grimsby Town. Walsall manager Matt Sadler was gracious in defeat as he agreed with the officials that the goal Walsall scored was indeed “offside.” While Artell felt it was the worst he’d seen his team play yet it was the opposite in the Walsall camp as Sadler stated it was the “most free flowing we’ve looked.” Despite the loss Sadler urged people to take the positives from the game, a sentiment that was not shared with the fans as many are already calling for his removal, with last season’s capitulation clearly still fresh in the memory.
Sadler further stressed the two injuries Walsall suffered that took place during the game. Stating that it “stopped the game in its tracks” with Sadler also making the argument that he wasn’t able to use his subs in positive ways but instead was forced to “patch up” his team.
Despite the loss, new signing Ryan Finnigan looked like a bright spark and was only denied a dream debut goal by the linesman’s flag.
With last season’s Walsall team having been picked apart by higher league clubs there was sure to be a transition period for the Saddlers with many of the new faces needing to gel together. Furthermore, with the two new injuries from last night’s game that look to be long term, it could be a busy last few weeks for Matt Sadler before the transfer window slams shut.
With only two wins in their opening four games Walsall sit in 11th place, something they will no doubt be looking to improve on as they hunt for another top seven finish. However, this Saturday’s game against an inform Salford (winning their last 3 league games) it could be a while before Matt Sadlers men taste victory again.
Walsall vs Grimsby Town was far from a thriller but the three points for the away side could prove invaluable come the end of the season.
