United fell to defeat in Mark Hughes’ first clash in charge as strikes from Justin Obikwu and Danny Rose secured maximum points for the hosts.
Mark Hughes’ first starting line-up saw one change from last weekend’s defeat to Swindon Town - Stephen Wearne replaced the suspended Jordan Jones.
Sam Lavelle bundled home the opener following a corner and lead at the break, before two second-half goals from Obikwu and Rose turned the game on it’s head.
Gabe Breeze had to be alert to deny attacker Obikwu in the opening exchanges right in front of the travelling support.
Before Will Patching provided the Blues’ first effort on goal in the Mark Hughes era, which was saved behind for a corner. The set-piece resulted in the opening goal, Elliot Embleton’s corner was whipped in brilliantly and Sam Lavelle got the final touch to turn the ball into the back of the net.
Mark Hughes’ men had strong claims for a penalty waved away from the referee, prior to Josh Williams sending in a tremendous low cross in the following phase of play which just evaded the on-running Joe Hugill, who came inches from making it two.
Sam Lavelle and Terell Thomas would come to the rescue on two separate occasions in the 20 minutes which followed the goal, helping to preserve Breeze’s clean sheet.
On the half-hour mark, Embleton saw his attempt from outside the box blocked as the Cumbrians looked to double their lead.
And moments later, Obikwu’s low drive at the opposite end flew just beyond United’s far post.
12 minutes before the break, the hosts had the ball in the back of the net but it was ruled out as the referee’s assistant on the far side had their flag up.
As we approached half-time, Jason Svanthorsson forced the Blues into some top defending, putting their bodies on the line to keep their lead intact.
HALF-TIME: Grimsby Town 0-1 United
Cameron McJannet had Grimsby’s first real chance of the second-half, nodding over following a free-kick on the left.
The Blues had two unbelievable chances back-to-back to double their advantage, firstly Kadeem Harris’ low effort crashed against the post before Embleton’s shot on the rebound was somehow scrambled off the line.
With an hour gone, Harvey Rodgers found himself in plenty of space on the right of the visitors’ area, his cross was climbed well by Breeze.
On 62 minutes, Obikwu finally got his goal and restored parity for the hosts, hammering home after receiving the ball from the left flank.
The hosts’ shot-stopper, Jordan Wright, was called into action four minutes later, denying Embleton from distance as the Blues went in search of the lead once more.
Denver Hume looked to fire the hosts in front for the first time with a quarter-of-an-hour left to play, Breeze was equal to it once again.
On 81 minutes, the hosts were awarded a penalty and Danny Rose converted, slotting home down the middle beyond Breeze.
As we entered stoppage time, Breeze made a double-stop to prevent the Mariners from making it three.
FULL-TIME: Grimsby Town 2-1 United
Teams:
Grimsby Town - Wright, McJannet (78’ Warren), Tharme, Rodgers, Hume, Khouri (87’ Barrington), Green (87’ Thompson), McEachran, Svanthorsson, Obikwu (84’ Vernam), Rose
Unused subs - Auton, Burns, Luker
United - Breeze, Thomas, Lavelle (90+2’ Barclay), Hugill, McArthur, Williams, Wearne (63’ Bevan), Harris, Patching (63’ Robson), Whelan, Embleton (77’ Scott)
Unused subs - Lewis, Harper, Fusire
Goals:
Grimsby Town - (63’ Obikwu), (83’ Rose)
United - (5’ Lavelle)
Yellow cards:
Grimsby Town - (71’ Khouri)
United - (44’ Hugill), (50’ Lavelle), (75’ Embleton), (83’ Robson), (90+4’ Thomas)
Red cards:
Grimsby Town - N/A
United - N/A
Match officials:
Referee - Zac Kennard-Kettle
Assistant Referee - Kenwyn Hughes
Assistant Referee - Ceri Williams
Fourth Official - Jonathon Block
Attendance:
5,788 (551 away)
