The Mariners had almost reached promotion form in their last five games prior to today's fixture - three wins, one draw and only one defeat - so it is understandable to expect that form to continue against Accrington Stanley.

Grimsby lineup: Barnes, Newey, Bennett, Hegarty, Jones, Hird, Butler, Boshell, Bolland, Hunt, Fenton. Subs: Clarke, Montgomery, Bore, Atkinson, North.

Accrington lineup: Dunbavin, Richardson, Roberts, Proctor, Harris, Dsane, Mullin, Miles, Edwards, Webb, Craney. Subs: Fearon, Williams, McGivern, Dennehy, Brown.

GOAL! Grimsby started off the game brightly and were quickly on the scoreboard. NICK HEGARTY scored a placed shot in the bottom left hand corner of the goal from the the centre of the 18 yard box on 7 minutes. 1-0.

Accrington quickly tried to level the scores again only a minute later but D'Sane's shot was caught by Barnes.

On 22 minutes Nick Fenton could have doubled the Mariners lead. Danny Boshell's right fotted corner kick met the head of Fenton but his effort was saved by the Stanley goalkeeper.

Two minutes later Fenton wsa again in goalmouth action as an Accrington corner forced the defender to make a crucial headed clearance.

Accrington then attempted a shot at goal but it went well wide.

Gary Jones made an attempt at goal on 26 minutes. His right-footed shot from six yards forced a spectacular save from the Accrington goalkeeper who forced it round the post. The resulting corner by Boshell was cleared and the ball resulted in open play.

On 33 minutes Boshell was again placing the ball by the corner flag but again the ball resulted in open play.

40 minutes gone and the Mariners had another chance. Martin Butler had a shot from 12 yards out but Dunbavin, who had been playing quite well today, managed to save it.

Entering stoppage time Danny Boshell went close. Hegarty was fouled on the left wing. Boshell's free kick came pretty close but the shot was stopped by the goalkeeper.


HALF-TIME: Grimsby Town 1, Accrington Stanley 0

GOAL! The second half started badly for Town. A crossed ball by Leam Richardson met the head of PAUL MULLIN and travelled into the roof of the net on 47 minutes. 1-1.

GOAL! On 56 minutes Martin Butler's right footed attempt was caught by the Accrington keeper but only one minute later the ball was back in Phil Barnes' net. A low shot by ANDREW PROCTOR put the Mariners behind. Accrington really are turning into Town's bogey side! 1-2.

On 60 minutes Buckley made his first round of substitutions. Gary Jones was replaced by Danny North and Danny Boshell was replaced by Peter Bore.

Martin Butler seemed eager to get his second goal for the club on 63 minutes but his 12 yard shot was caught.

There wasn't really much more goalmouth action after that.

FULL-TIME Grimsby Town 1, Accrington Stanley 2

The Mariners have now lost three successive league games against Accrington Stanley. The previous two were 4-1 defeats away from home.

On another day the Mariners could easily have won this game but as seems to be the case in all too many games once they get a goal ahead they tend to sit back and defend resulting in sloppy errors.

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