Hero Rose a blooming marvel for boss Artell
DAVID Artell praised Danny Rose after his opportunistic winner helped Grimsby to an important victory to boost their League Two survival bid.
Rose did the damage at Blundell Park with his 13th goal of the season as Grimsby moved five points clear of the danger zone.
Artell’s side have games in hand on Sutton United and Forest Green below them, with Football League safety one step closer, while Newport suffered defeat for the fourth match running.
Artell said: “The players were brilliant. My only criticism is that it was only 1-0. It could have been three, four or five and that would’ve made for a much calmer last 20 minutes, but I don’t think they’ve had a chance in the second half.
Grimsby settled quickest as Charles Vernam and Kieran Green set their sights from the edge of the penalty area in the opening stages.
At the other end, Offrande Zanzala headed a decent chance wide after meeting a left-footed delivery from Newport teammate Adam Lewis.
Rose then prodded Grimsby ahead in the 33rd minute after combining with Vernam and the home side took that lead into half-time.
Vernam sliced a half-volley over soon after the restart as Grimsby pushed for an all-important second goal in their battle against relegation.
Donovan Wilson came closest to grabbing it, but the Grimsby striker was, somehow, denied three times in quick succession by Nick Townsend.
Artell added: “It was a fully deserved victory and that’s three 1-0 wins here in the last five. If we keep going as we are, we will score more goals and win more matches.”
Newport manager Graham Coughlan admitted that his side’s effort wasn’t good enough, saying:
“We made a mistake at the back and they’ve got in. “We’re leaving things and we’re hesitant.
They were sharper. They got in and put the ball in the back of the net.
“They looked hungry and have a cause, and their cause is probably greater than ours.
“Fair play to them, but that’s where we are at this moment in time.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t good enough, to be honest.
“We were lucky it was only one, and it’s not a nice place to be at this moment, but we’ve got four games left to see what the future holds for some of the players at this club.”