Grimsby Town came up short in play-offs - Paul Hurst

Grimsby Town joint manager Paul Hurst admitted they were beaten by the better side after their promotion play-off semi-final defeat by Newport.

The Mariners were beaten 2-0 on aggregate by the Welsh club after a 1-0 second-leg defeat on Sunday.

He told BBC Radio Humberside: "We came up slightly short over the two games.

"In the second half we never really put them under any pressure. We seemed to get caught in between playing football and being direct."

Hurst continued: "They saw the game out relatively comfortably and they defended exceptionally well.

"When the ball was there to be cleared they did it and into good areas. That's something they did better than us over the two games."

It was the first time Grimsby had reached the play-offs since losing their Football League status three years ago.

Hurst believes it is important that the players buy into what the club are trying to achieve next season.

"I think it's clear we've made progress in terms of our league position, points total and near enough all of the stats," he said

"After the game we spoke about the match, but also what we need from people moving forward.

"We need the ones that are here next year to be committed to being the best that they can be so we can try and go again."