Grimsby Town 2 Brighton & Hove Albion 1

Last updated : 14 February 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Struggling Grimsby recorded their first win in 11 games - 2-1 against Brighton - but not without a heart stopping last few minutes.

Deservedly leading 2-1, they were defending a Brighton corner when Grimsby keeper Aidan Davison lost his head and was sent off for an off-the-ball incident which sparked a melee of players.

When it all calmed down midfielder Des Hamilton, a second-half substitute for Stacey Coldicott, went in goal and was not tested.

Grimsby, still reeling from the dismissal of manager Paul Groves and the sale of leading scorer Michael Boulding, had the best possible start.

For the first time this season they grabbed an early goal. Only five minutes had gone when on-loan striker Isaiah Rankin met a Darren Mansaram cross turned and hit home a sweet goal.

But Brighton battled back and scored an untidy goal from their first corner of the game on 18 minutes.

Charlie Oatway's shot was not cleared and Trevor Benjamin turned in the ball from close range.

After an even first half, the Mariners dominated the second and sub Phil Jevons grabbed the winner on 75 minutes.

Keeper Stuart Jones whose handling was unsteady throughout failed to hold an Iain Anderson shot and Jevons turned the ball in although the goal was given on the signal of the assistant referee who flagged to show the ball had crossed the line.

Grimsby came a little edgy towards the end and Davison's rush of blood did not help matters. But lifted by the crowd they held on for three well deserved points.

This victory keeps Grimsby above the drop-zone but they will face a stiffer test on Tuesday when promotion-chasing Bristol City visit Blundell Park for a re-arranged game. Any sort of result against City will be a lift to caretaker-manager Graham Rodger.