Cartwright Reflects on FA Cup Penalty Heroics and Stafford Victory

Harvey Cartwright says Grimsby Town showed the character required to reach the second round of the Emirates FA Cup after the Mariners overcame Stafford Rangers in a dramatic penalty shootout on Sunday. Town progressed following an entertaining 3-3 draw after extra time at the Stan Robinson Stadium, with Cartwright producing a series of important saves during the shootout to help secure victory.

The goalkeeper admitted that the performance had fallen below the standards expected, particularly during a difficult first half, but praised his teammates for responding after the break and showing the determination needed to keep themselves in the tie. Cartwright also reflected on Stafford's impressive performance, discussed the preparation that went into the penalty shootout, and spoke about his own return to the side following an injury-disrupted start to the season.

You can watch Harvey Cartwright's full post-match interview here: Here's everything the goalkeeper had to say after Sunday's victory… On the result and overall performance Cartwright admitted that relief was the overriding emotion after Town eventually secured their place in the second round, acknowledging that the Mariners had not performed to their usual standards during the opening 45 minutes. The goalkeeper felt the half-time response was important, with the players recognising the need to improve and demonstrating the character required to get back into the contest.

We can all admit that, going in two down at half-time. "We knew we had to roll our sleeves up, show character and keep ourselves in the tie.

Luckily, we did that, got to penalties and got the job done." On the half-time reaction With Town having struggled during the opening period, Cartwright revealed that there was an honest conversation in the changing room at the interval, with the players acknowledging that their performance had not been good enough. The goalkeeper praised the response from his teammates, highlighting the importance of winning individual battles and improving their overall application after the restart.

It was just that we've not been good enough, and that's the matter of fact. We need to win our duels.

We need to figure it out. "To be fair to the lads, they rolled their sleeves up, and then we gave a good account of ourselves in the second half." On St afford Rangers' performance Cartwright was also keen to give credit to Stafford, who produced an impressive display in front of a packed Stan Robinson Stadium and pushed Town all the way over 120 minutes.

The goalkeeper acknowledged the difficult atmosphere created by the home supporters and praised the commitment shown by the opposition players throughout the contest. "Nothing but good words to say about them as a club, as a fanbase."