Grimsby Town strengthen playoff chances

Grimsby Town maintained their position in the Conference Premier playoff places with a 1-0 win over Eastleigh this evening.

Ollie Palmer's first-half goal was enough for the visitors, who are now seven points above fifth-placed Kidderminster Harriers.

Lenell John-Lewis had a great opportunity for Grimsby inside the first five minutes, but the striker could only snatch at the chance.

Palmer was next to go close for the Mariners when he scuffed an effort into the side-netting after a good cross from Nathan Arnold.

However, the striker soon made amends when he opened the scoring seven minutes before the end of the first half after pouncing on a defensive mix-up.

Shaun Pearson nearly extended the advantage after the break when his effort was cleared off the line before Craig Disley's effort was tipped over the bar.

John-Lewis and Palmer combined well on 74 minutes, with the latter firing wide after he had been released by his teammate.

John-Lewis went close himself shortly after when he shot narrowly wide after the ball had ricocheted into his path.