George McEachran fires Grimsby into play-off places with winner against Newport

Grimsby moved into the Sky Bet League Two play-off places with a 1-0 victory over Newport at Blundell Park.

George McEachran’s deflected free-kick in the second half was enough to secure three important points for the Mariners.

The hosts had a golden chance to go ahead just three minutes in as Luca Barrington was played through on goal by Evan Khouri, but Nick Townsend saved.

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Kieran Green was then denied by Townsend later in the half as Grimsby spurned a few chances to go ahead.

Shane McLoughlin fired wide with a volley before Michael Spellman was beaten in a race to the ball with Grimsby stopper Jorden Wright just before the break.

A free-kick from McEachran in the 64th minute breached the wall and wrong-footed Townsend to give the home side the lead.

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Wright made a good save diving to his right to deny substitute Josh Martin after the hosts had been dispossessed in their own half.

Evan Khouri headed just over the bar from a Barrington cross as Grimsby looked to extend their lead.