David Artell wants Grimsby to show more cutting edge despite win over Crawley
The hosts ran out 2-0 winners.
Grimsby boss David Artell urged his side to find a killer instinct, despite seeing them continue their unbeaten league start with a 2-0 win over struggling Crawley.
Summer arrival Iwan Morgan’s first Mariners goal from the penalty spot, after Charles Vernam had earlier missed from 12 yards, set the hosts on their way to another away win, with skipper Kieran Green scoring for the third straight match to double the lead.
The visitors had openings to get back into the game in the second half, but Grimsby could have been out of sight.
Artell said: “I said well done to the players because it is never easy to win games of football at this level, but we’re still frustrated because it should’ve been more.
“It’s a real positive to keep another clean sheet, but we’ve got to become more ruthless and we shouldn’t be comfortable
winning 2-0 when we could easily win by three, four, five or six.
“That’s not arrogance or getting ahead of ourselves. We just need to be better in that area because we’re creating lots and we’re not reliant on one person to score the goals.
“It is incumbent on all of us to keep a clean sheet and it is incumbent on all of us to score goals, not just the striker.”
Grimsby took a two-goal lead into the break and, while they kept things solid at the back to secure the victory, Artell wanted more goals at the other end.
The Mariners boss added: “The approach in the second half was to take note of the wind because it was blowing in their favour and be aware of tactical changes.
“Their manager has never gone from a back four to a five or vice versa mid-game, so we didn’t think that would change.
“We were great against the ball, but we wanted to keep getting better with it, because we had chances to increase the scoreline in the first and second half, which we didn’t take.
“It’s not the worst problem to have when you’re winning 2-0 and you want more, but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t want it and the players agree.”
Crawley had 19-year-old goalkeeper Nicholas Michalski to thank for keeping the score down with eight saves, but their struggles continue.
“It is always going to be tough coming away to Grimsby because they make it tough and are very good at what they do,” said boss Colin Kazim-Richards.
“Still, that’s not an excuse because we knew what to expect and we weathered the storm early, but again, we make mistakes for the goals and when you’re in this position the mistakes are more painful.”