Paul Mullin, last season’s 47-goal top scorer, made his first start of the season against Grimsby after recovering from a punctured lung. He is yet to open his account for 2023-24, but Parkin believes that is a matter of time. He added: “When Paul first came back he was off the pace but he had a really good week training. For him to play the way he played, alright he has not scored but he got in tremendously good areas. We got some really good balls down the side to him and he was a real threat all day. The Grimsby centre-backs know they have been in a real game so we are delighted with his display. He is a confident lad in front of goal, he missed a couple but that won’t affect him, it never has done before. We are glad we have got him back and we are glad with the performance and the contribution from the whole squad which was really important.”