RHYS Oates admits he couldn't have wished for a much better debut than he enjoyed at Kidderminster on Saturday.
After joining on loan only the day before, the 19-year-old came off the bench to score the dramatic winner with only five minutes remaining.
The goal – his first since March – helped the Mariners record a much-needed win on the road and was the perfect way of endearing himself to his new set of fans.
"It felt absolutely brilliant," he said afterwards.
"It was a very physical and tiring game because that was my first first-team game in a while, but it was great to get off the mark and help the lads.
"It was one of those that, as soon as I hit it, I thought it had a chance. I caught it sweetly and thankfully it flew in.
He added: "It was a great way to introduce myself to the fans, who were excellent for us on Saturday, but I was just pleased to have played a part in a big, big win for us.
"It'll do my confidence the world of good – it's given me a big boost. Now I just want to keep playing and get more goals!
"The lads were all brilliant with me afterwards, even though I got a bit of banter for looking tired after 30 minutes!
"But it's about building that fitness up and getting used to the tempo of the game, but I'm happy with the way I've started."
Saturday's clash was Oates' first taste of Conference Premier football having enjoyed loan spells at Gainsborough and Stockport in the league below last season.
And he believes those experiences have steeled him for the physical demands he'll be put under during his time with Town.
Oates continued: "Conference football is a lot more physical than the Under-21 league I've been playing in at Barnsley.
"But those two spells at Gainsborough and Stockport prepared me well for this and I learnt a lot during those two loan deals.
"I played against some big, strong centre-halves and I got used to it, so I'm ready.
"I haven't been involved in the first-team at Barnsley all that much, so it was on my mind to go out and get some games on loan again and then this opportunity came up at Grimsby and I'm really happy to be here.
"I spoke to Paul (Hurst) and I was impressed with what he's got to say.
"He told me that I'm going to be involved and that he wants me to make a contribution to the side and thankfully I got off to a good start on Saturday.
"As a young lad, you've got to put yourself out there to get the experience and get games under your belt – no-one is going to do it for you.
"Now I'm here, I'm just focused on working hard and playing as often as I can.
"It's a step-up from the clubs I was on loan at last season and it's a big club with a great fanbase and I'm ready for it and looking forward to the challenge."
