United fell to defeat in Mike Williamson’s first game in charge at Brunton Park following a late goal from Harvey Rodgers.
After starting superbly, Sam Lavelle netted the Blues’ opener, before Dominic Sadi provided an instant response after Luca Barrington equalised for the Mariners moments earlier.
Late goals from Lewis Cass and Harvey Rodgers turned the game on its head, confirming all three points for the away side.
United started the contest the strongest and there were cries for a penalty inside two minutes after Charlie Wyke was bundled over in the area following some early pressure - the referee said no penalty, letting the game continue to the frustration of everyone in blue.
On 9 minutes, the Mariners’ left-back Denver Hume delivered a powerful cross in search of a teammate, but Harry Lewis was alert to the danger and collected the ball calmly.
Three minutes later, the Blues broke the deadlock. Cameron Harper’s in-swinging cross towards the near post was met by a rising Lavelle, who nodded home in front of the Warwick Road End brilliantly, netting his second goal in as many games.
The visitors’ shot-stopper, Jake Eastwood, was then stretchered off after picking up an injury in the build-up to the goal - Seb Auton replaced him, making his EFL debut.
From goalscorer to provider, Lavelle looked to assist Wyke as we ticked beyond the 20-minute mark, but the striker’s deflected effort was claimed by the newly introduced ‘keeper.
Barrington levelled proceedings soon after. A defence-splitting pass found the midfielder, before he swept home beyond Lewis after finding himself one v one with the goalkeeper.
Mike Williamson’s side then provided an immediate response. Some patient play down the right ended with Archie Davies lifting a ball to the back post and the youngster on loan from Bournemouth, Sadi, was there to blast home his first professional goal.
As we approached the break, the scorer of United's second took aim from distance, but his shot flew both wide and over, before having two efforts in quick succession in added time - both saved by Auton.
HALF-TIME: United 2-1 Grimsby Town
Four minutes into the second-half, Grimsby found themselves through one v one with Lewis forcing a tremendous stop from United’s number one to keep the hosts in the lead.
Following this effort, David Artell’s side started to assert themselves further and were arguably the better side in the opening stages of the second 45.
Midway through the second-half, the game entered a lull, with little to no chances being created by either side.
On 80 minutes, Harrison Biggins’ loose touch allowed the visitors through on goal and after another top save from Lewis which went for a corner, the set-piece was ultimately scored by substitute Lewis Cass to equalise.
Grimsby’s second lifted their confidence even more and Harvey Rodgers went on to net what would be the winner on 90 minutes.
A disappointing end to an afternoon which started with so many positives.
FULL-TIME: United 2-3 Grimsby Town
Teams:
Carlisle United - Lewis, Davies, Harper, Lavelle, Wyke ©, Jones, Biggins (87’ Mellish), Vela, Sadi (87’ Thomas), Barclay, Armstrong
Unused subs - Breeze, Neal, Ellis, Dudik, O’Donoghue
Grimsby Town - Eastwood (16’ Auton), Warren (46’ Cass), Rodgers, Tharme (80’ Gardner), McJannet, Hume, Khouri, McEachran, Barrington (68’ Ainley), Rose ©, Wilson (79’ Svanthorsson)
Unused subs - Carson, Pyke
Goals:
Carlisle United - (12’ Lavelle), (27’ Sadi)
Grimsby Town - (24’ Barrington), (81’ Cass), (90' Rodgers)
Match officials:
Referee - Sebastian Stockbridge
Assistant Referee - Emmanuel Edet
Assistant Referee - Daniel Woodward
Fourth Official - Adam Nichol
Attendance:
7,510 (445 away)
