David Artell pleased Grimsby avoided paying ‘heavy price’ after MK Dons comeback

Grimsby manager David Artell admitted his side almost paid a “heavy price” as they survived a fightback from 10-man MK Dons to hold on for a 3-2 win.

The Mariners were three goals and a man up at half-time thanks to efforts from Kieran Green, Jaze Kabia and Charles Vernam, while Jon Mellish was sent off.

But George McEachran’s own goal and a stoppage-time Connor Lemonheigh-Evans effort saw the hosts nearly steal a point.

Artell felt his side deserved the win but accepted they had problems playing against 10 men.

He said: “I thought we were good value for the win.

“We were very good in the first half but struggled to play against 10 men, which is a good learning point for us.

“I think we showed our qualities, certainly in the first half and even before their lad got sent off, I thought that in itself deserved to win the game.

“We scored three brilliant goals and limited them to very few chances throughout the whole game.

“It shows how far we’ve come on this journey that we’re on that we’re disappointed we’ve won at MK Dons. It’s a bonkers statement to make, but the lads in there, they get airtime and make their point and quite a few of them did.

“They know and don’t need me to tell or shout at them that they got stuck a little bit playing against 10, couldn’t work it out and nearly paid a heavy price. But we didn’t and we didn’t deserve to pay a heavy price.”

Green turned in Vernam’s cross for a ninth-minute opener before two goals in seven minutes put the visitors in total control. Kabia scored the rebound after Vernam’s shot was parried before Vernam struck home a fine effort.

MK Dons boss Paul Warne admitted a formation tweak for his side went wrong.

He said: “I have to own the first half.

“I went 4-4-2 as I thought if our two centre-forwards put pressure on their centre-halves, the way they play with full-backs that come inside, I thought we could stop them. We worked on it all week so in fairness to the lads, that’s on me.

“It’s just disappointing. They thoroughly deserved their lead at half-time, I’ve got no issues with that.

“We were calm at half-time saying you can’t perform like that and show some integrity and effort.

“I just felt that second half, although we were a man down, it’s difficult to criticise anything any player did.

“The work ethic and tackles were there. We weren’t trying to be too intricate and had more of a goal threat. I leave knowing we have the players to perform but can’t perform at a level below where we should against anyone in this league as you’re just not going to win.”