Soccer
David Artell says Grimsby must be better after throwing away lead at Accrington
Grimsby manager David Artell said his unbeaten side have got to be better after they threw away a two-goal lead at Accrington to draw 2-2.
The Mariners opened the scoring after six minutes through an own goal by Joe Anderson and doubled their lead in the 38th minute with an Andy Cook flick as they dominated the game.
Stanley were given a lifeline in the seventh minute of added time in the first half and Josh Woods slotted home the penalty.
The Reds equalised after 60 minutes through Tyler Walton but Grimsby were still a threat, Cook hitting a post and forcing a superb save with the last kick of the game from Louie Moulden.
Artell was furious with a challenge in the first half by Moulden on Iwan Morgan.
Artell said: “I am bitterly disappointed. For the first half an hour, we deserved to be at least 2-0 up.
“It was a tale of two penalties. I have no problem with their penalty but Iwan has stud marks down his chest and thigh from their keeper and how it isn’t a penalty and a red card is a disgrace.
“Those two things have changed the game.
“In the second half, we didn’t play like we should do, we have conceded a poor goal, and we have to be much better in possession.
“We didn’t do enough, we had lots of good chances but we didn’t control the game. That game was there for us to win, it’s two points dropped.
“The man of the match is their keeper which is ironic as he should have been off the pitch but we have got to do much more. We have got to be so much better and I am disappointed with a point.”
Stanley are still looking for their first win of the campaign but, after two defeats, manager John Doolan was proud of his players.
He said: “I am pleased with the character and resilience and the way we came back.
“I am disappointed with the way we started the game, we have done it in previous games too and we have spoken about it and we have discussed it again.
“We have to find the answers as to why we are doing that before the next game.
“But Grimsby are a very good side, they have some good players and showed better qualities than us tonight.
“It was a penalty, the referee has got the right decision and Josh took it well.
“It was a well-worked second goal and it was a good finish by Tyler.
“We need to pick points up at home, we have to make it a fortress. We are two games at home unbeaten but we have to turn the draws into wins.”
