Woods: We showed passion

GRIMSBY Town caretaker boss Neil Woods says he is determined to build on the positives of the 3-1 defeat to Leeds United last night as he looks to bolster his claim for the permanent managerial post.

Woods confirmed he was applying for the vacancy – brought about by the sacking of Mike Newell earlier this month – after the Mariners' woeful defeat to Bath City in the FA Cup on Saturday.

And, despite another defeat to League One leaders Leeds in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy northern quarter-finals last night, he is determined to continue his efforts to turn around the club's fortunes.

Woods said: "There is no way I could walk away from what I saw on Saturday.

"I am a winner and a very competitive person and I've enjoyed the reaction in general I have had from the players.

"I want to impress at this level and have a right go."

Plymouth Argyle defender Damien McCrory was drafted in on loan at late notice to start for the Mariners against Leeds – after the arrival of Southampton centre-back Olly Lancashire before the Bournemouth clash in the league.

And Woods – although happy with the response his players showed at Elland Road after their abject display against Bath at Blundell Park – said more players will be brought to Cleethorpes to improve the team further as league survival now becomes the Mariners' principal focus and objective this season.

"We need more of a threat from the wide players and more of a goal threat in the team as a whole still," Woods said.

"We are starting to look more compact, but we have to score goals to win games.

"We had chances but, although we kept the ball better, most of our chances are coming from mistakes rather than our play.

"It was a much improved performance compared with Saturday in all aspects.

"We defended better, played better with it, and showed a bit of passion.

"The first goal – you can't legislate for those type of lucky goals – but the second goal did kill us a bit.

"But we were very positive at half-time, because there was not a lot to be critical about.

"We know we should have done better with the third goal, but there is spirit in there.

"Bar Saturday, the lads have shown great spirit since I have been with them and with a bit more composure we could have a had a right finish to the game.

"But we can't keep talking about building on a positive finish to a match – we actually have to go out there and do it.

"Whether that means bringing new players in or players performing to the level they are capable of, we have to build on it."