David Artell, the manager of Grimsby Town, gave his kids high marks for their performance against Chesterfield.
The Spireites secured a home match in the competition’s round of 32 after defeating the Mariners 3-2 to finish first in Group G of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
Despite making seven changes to the starting lineup from the previous weekend, Paul Cook’s team was still formidable, with Paddy Madden scoring and providing an assist and James Berry collecting a brace.
Artell used the chance to play some academy boys and a handful who were recovering from injuries because Grimsby had already been eliminated from the competition, and they didn’t disappoint him.
The match was interesting, competitive, and played at a good intensity, despite being a bit of a dead-rubber.
We had a nice night regardless of the outcome, but we were unable to make any headway tonight, so it was never about the outcome,” Artell remarked.
“I felt that the youthful team we chose was a credit to this football team. I firmly believe that they have listened and learnt because the goals we scored were outstanding.
“I felt we presented ourselves well, and Chesterfield’s team was a pretty good team. With the exception of the outcome, which, to be honest, was perhaps a little secondary tonight, I felt that it was a really wonderful night.
“I thought it was a pretty good football game, much like the league game. They have several players with experience, and they make a good squad.
Chesterfield is now awaiting the draw for the round of 32, which is probably going to happen next week. League One and League Two teams as well as the Aston Villa under-21s might be their opponents.
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