'Now we must step up a gear', says Grimsby Town joint boss Rob Scott

JOINT boss Rob Scott watched Grimsby Town cruise to their second home victory in five days before insisting: "We were sloppy."

The Mariners eased past Gateshead 3-0 at Blundell Park last night, with the goals coming from Derek Niven, Nathan Pond and Ross Hannah.

But, despite extending their unbeaten run to an impressive nine games, the co-manager wasn't entirely satisfied.

"In the first half we weren't very happy and we thought we were a bit sloppy," he told the Telegraph.

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"We weren't quite at it, so we were a bit disappointed.

"It sounds silly but, at half-time, we felt we had let them into the game in too many areas.

"The way they set themselves up, Gateshead are always going to have a bit of possession and keep the ball. And we were fine with that as long as it was in the midfield area and deep in their half.

"We got a little too slack after the break and let a few too many crosses come into our box in a five-minute spell.

"But when we went forward I thought we were excellent again

"Joe Colbeck, Scott Neilson, Andy Cook, Ross Hannah – and also when Anthony Elding and Dayle Southwell came on – they all looked a real threat.

"We were pleased with everybody really – the back four with another clean sheet, James McKeown in goal, and the two midfield boys. Craig Disley was just excellent for us.

"At times we were a bit too open but you can't expect to dominate for 90 minutes."

It remains just one defeat for the Mariners this season as they close in on the Blue Square Bet Premier title contenders – and Saturday's opponents Newport County.

"I keep saying to the players that I'm not interested in statistics other than the scoreline," added Scott.

"They can have 60 per cent possession around the edge of their own box. That doesn't mean they're hurting us.

"We sat off well at times and we pressed at the right times – it was pleasing but we still feel there's more to come.

"We weren't quite at it last night and we've won 3-0, but we'll certainly need to be at it on Saturday down at Newport."