Lincoln take derby spoils as they brush Grimsby aside

Posted Saturday, March 17, 2018 by PA

A three-goal burst inside eight first-half minutes ensured Lincoln secured derby bragging rights with a 3-1 victory over struggling Grimsby.

Lee Frecklington, Matt Green and Scott Wharton were all on target in the first half as the Imps strengthened their play-off bid.

Frecklington opened the floodgates in the 31st minute when a corner was partially cleared to the midfielder, whose first-time volley appeared to take a deflection amid a crowded area before finding the corner of the net.

The Imps then took control as the Mariners crumbled. It was 2-0 four minutes later when great work down the left from Elliott Whitehouse ended with his cross being turned home by Green for his 14th goal of the season.

The torrent of City pressure continued as they made it 3-0 in the 39th minute. Following another poorly-defended corner, the ball dropped to Wharton, who produced a tidy finish.

The Mariners were given hope before half-time when they pulled a goal back. After Ryan Allsop had tipped over an effort from Harry Clifton, the resulting corner was handled by Whitehouse and Ben Davies cracked home the penalty.