JOINT Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst has paid tribute to his side for responding to their FA Trophy defeat by going on to seal a place in the play-offs.
After that heartbreaking afternoon at Wembley, Hurst says his side could have easily capitulated in the face of a hectic schedule.
But he spoke of his pride at how his players have regrouped to battle through the fixture list and become the first Mariners squad to qualify for the play-offs since the club dropped out of the Football League.
Town are now unbeaten in their last eight games, going into tomorrow's final game of the season at home to Newport (5.15pm).
Hurst said: "After the FA Trophy, had they been a different group, they could have quite easily said; 'that's us done', but they haven't.
"From the players' perspective, it's been a case of 'bring it on' and that's credit to them.
"The fixture list has brought a resilience, determination and desire to do well.
"And credit to them, because that they've secured this spot after what has been a difficult schedule.
"We were looking at top spot at one point, there's no denying that, but we've had to settle for the play-offs and credit to them for keeping going.
"Games have come round quickly and it meant that we haven't had a period where we've been allowed to sulk, it's been a case of 'there's the next game, get on with it', and they've done well."
After that heartbreaking afternoon at Wembley, Hurst says his side could have easily capitulated in the face of a hectic schedule.
But he spoke of his pride at how his players have regrouped to battle through the fixture list and become the first Mariners squad to qualify for the play-offs since the club dropped out of the Football League.
Town are now unbeaten in their last eight games, going into tomorrow's final game of the season at home to Newport (5.15pm).
Hurst said: "After the FA Trophy, had they been a different group, they could have quite easily said; 'that's us done', but they haven't.
"From the players' perspective, it's been a case of 'bring it on' and that's credit to them.
"The fixture list has brought a resilience, determination and desire to do well.
"And credit to them, because that they've secured this spot after what has been a difficult schedule.
"We were looking at top spot at one point, there's no denying that, but we've had to settle for the play-offs and credit to them for keeping going.
"Games have come round quickly and it meant that we haven't had a period where we've been allowed to sulk, it's been a case of 'there's the next game, get on with it', and they've done well."
