David Artell hails Grimsby’s professional approach

David Artell praised Grimsby’s professionalism in beating Wealdstone 4-0 at home in the FA Cup second round.

The Mariners had the 1-0 shock defeat to the same opponents from last season in the back of their minds as they took an early lead through Jaze Kabia and did not blink.

Kieran Green and Jamie Walker added two more before the break, before Kabia made it a brace on the afternoon in the second half to make it a comfortable passage to the third round for his team.

Artell said: “It was comprehensive and professional, all the things you want to happen in a tie such as this.

“Huge credit to the players for their performance, which has been the same as it has been in recent league games, without getting the results we deserved.

“It is always good to get an early goal because it settles the team down when the onus is on us as the higher-ranked side at home to take the game to them.

“The longer it is level than the more tetchy it can get, but goals change games, and it meant we weren’t ever chasing the result and forcing things because of it.”

For National League Wealdstone, focus returns to the progress they have made elsewhere under their young manager, as they were shown the levels by their EFL opponents this time.

Sam Cox added: “It’s frustrating because we didn’t apply ourselves in the way that we know that we can do, but full credit to David Artell and his team.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they are up there in League Two this season, and there was a real gulf in quality between the two sides.

“Physically, they were much more dominant than us, beyond the tactical side of the game, so it was disappointing for us, and their quality came out.”