Grimsby brought back down to earth with defeat at home to Bristol Rovers

Grimsby were brought back down to earth with a bump as Bristol Rovers claimed a 1-0 victory at Blundell Park.

The Mariners, who knocked Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup on penalties earlier this week, were beaten for the first time this season by Macauley Southam-Hales’ first-half goal.

The hosts struck a post early in the contest through full-back Reece Staunton’s sweetly-struck free-kick.

Rovers took the lead in the 27th minute when Southam-Hales’ volley from outside the box flew low past goalkeeper Christy Pym after the ball had been headed out from a corner.

Pym came off his line to save at close quarters to stop Promise Omochere doubling the visitors’ lead on the hour.

Another free-kick from Staunton went agonisingly wide and Evan Khouri had a goal-bound effort diverted wide late on as Bristol Rovers defended well to hold on for a first away league win since January.