Grimsby swept aside League Two strugglers Stevenage 3-1 to earn their first home victory since Ian Holloway took charge.

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Elliott Whitehouse set Grimsby on their way with a 17th minute opener which appeared to come off Stevenage defender Ben Nugent, before a Billy Clarke penalty and goal for Charles Vernam rubber-stamped the three points.

Chances were few and far between during the early stages before Whitehouse blasted home from six yards after James Hanson hit the post with an initial header.

At the other end, James McKeown was kept honest on two occasions by former Grimsby loanee Simeon Jackson.

Upon the restart, Clarke sent his spot kick down the middle after Harry Clifton had been felled in the area, before Vernam sealed the points with a terrific solo goal 20 minutes from time.

Stevenage midfielder Charlie Lakin did likewise as the clock ticked into added time, but it proved too little too late for the visitors.

Grimsby might have extended their lead even further when substitute James Tilley was sent clear.

However, the January signing poked straight at goalkeeper Paul Farman.

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