David Artell lauds ‘professional’ Grimsby after they put seven past Cheltenham

David Artell credited Grimsby’s professionalism as they made the most of their numerical advantage to put nine-man Cheltenham to the sword in a 7-1 win at Blundell Park.

The Robins, who were under caretaker charge for the game following Michael Flynn’s departure at the start of the week, went ahead in the first half through Isaac Hutchinson.

However, two brilliant Jamie Walker goals opened the game up for the Mariners, and it was made much easier for Artell’s men with red cards on either side of half-time for the visitors, Harry Pell and then Lee Angol receiving two yellows each.

“I think it was professional from us more than anything,” said Artell.

“When you’ve played against 10 previously this season, as we have, and not got it quite right, you want to see that we’ve learnt from that.

“We showed that we did so; it’s all part of the learning journey and our overall progress while also putting in a thoroughly professional performance.

“We were the better team when it was 11v11, and I don’t think anyone can complain about the red cards; they were both disgraceful challenges (for the second yellows).

“I thought the goals were coming, but it takes two really special efforts from Jamie to get us started.

“I don’t think the game changed because of the nature of the two goals, but they were fantastic, and I don’t think Jamie will have scored two better goals in one game.”

For Cheltenham’s caretaker boss Aaron Downes it was a tough watch in the end, following a promising start to the game with a team already lacking confidence forced to play most of the second half with two fewer players.

He said: “It’s easy to throw that one out there (that the two players sent off let the team down), and I don’t want to talk much about individuals.

“Going into the game, we had a clear plan, and for the first 20 to 30 minutes, the team acted that out almost to a tee, and we managed to limit their chances initially.

“A couple of incidents before half-time have flipped the game on its head, the two worldie goals for them from Walker and then the first red card.

“We got in at half-time and talked about being in adversity and asking whether we could roll our sleeves up, stay organised and limit them as much as possible.

“We then have another red card, which suddenly made the second half even more difficult to deal with.

“I felt for the lads that were still out there, who had to deal with numerical disadvantage against a team like Grimsby, who could play with real freedom as there wasn’t much pressure from us.”