David Artell Backs Focus Before Grimsby Town Score Play-Off Tie

Grimsby Town score their play-off push with David Artell asking supporters for focus, togetherness and belief before Sunday’s Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg against Salford City at Blundell Park. A sold-out home crowd will be in place, and he wants the tie approached with clarity rather than emotion.

Artell and Blundell Park

Artell told supporters the players have earned this stage through a long run of consistency, resilience and standards that were set from the first day of pre-season. “From the first day of pre-season through every challenge, every setback, and every positive moment, the aim is to give yourselves a chance to compete at this stage,” he said.

He added that the match should be handled as a two-legged contest, not a one-off. “Two-legged ties are different,” he said. “We know the challenge ahead.”

Salford City in the tie

Salford City arrive as the opponent with quality throughout their squad, and Artell called them a strong, well-organised side. That leaves Grimsby needing control and discipline at home if they want to carry something useful into the second leg.

The manager also pointed to the setting itself. “Days like this at Blundell Park are special,” he said, while stressing the atmosphere, intensity and connection between players and supporters all matter at the ground.

First half of the tie

Artell’s message stayed anchored to the same point: keep the game clear, not noisy. “It’s important we approach this game with clarity. Not emotion, not noise, just a clear understanding of our roles and responsibilities,” he said.

He finished by framing Sunday as only the start of the work, even with a sold-out crowd behind Town. “This is only the first half of the tie, but it’s an important one,” he said, and Grimsby will try to turn that home support into a positive result before the second leg.