Crawley Town vs Grimsby Town. Sky Bet League Two.
Broadfield StadiumAttendance2,043.
Saturday 9 March 2019 20:49, UK
Former Grimsby loanee Ollie Palmer scored twice as Crawley clinched their first home win for eight weeks with a 2-1 victory over the Mariners.
Crawley, with head coach Gabriele Cioffi serving a one-match touchline ban, got off to a bad start with Wes Thomas giving Grimsby a sixth-minute lead.
Top-scorer Thomas volleyed his 12th goal of the season in fine style after recalled defender Ludvig Ohman headed back a deep free-kick from Jake Hessenthaler.
Crawley were unfortunate not to reply immediately with both Matty Willock and Reece Grego-Cox firing against the bar in quick succession.
However, the Reds deservedly drew level when George Francomb released Lewis Young and his cross was headed in at close range by Palmer after 27 minutes.
Palmer, who had only scored twice in the league since October 27, was on target again four minutes before half-time to put the hosts in front, the striker producing a confident finish after an assist by Grego-Cox.
Palmer wasted an opportunity to complete his hat trick shortly after the break when, from a cross by Francomb, he blazed over after having an initial header parried by James McKeown.
Palmer was denied again by McKeown before Thomas fired a rare chance over for Grimsby at the other end.
The Mariners put Crawley under late pressure but the hosts held out for only their second win in 10 matches.
