Goals from Donovan Wilson and Gavan Holohan threatened an upset against league leaders

Goals from DonovanWi lson and Gavan Holohan threatened an upset against league leaders

Barry’s brace mean Stockport recorded an eighth straight win. The hosts were awarded a penalty inside six minutes after Will Collar was pulled down in the box, with Barry converting to open the scoring.

Two minutes later, Tanto Olaofe slotted past Jake Eastwood to double Stockport’s lead. The Hatters almost made it three after 39 minutes, but a second spot-kick was struck wide by Olaofe.

Grimsby Town halved the deficit shortly before half-time, as Donovan Wilson scrambled for the ball and scored from close range. Seven minutes into the second half, the visitors equalised through a Gavan Holohan penalty after goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe brought him down.

But Stockport restored their lead in the 74th minute when a free-kick met the head of Collar and he nodded across goal for Barry to score. Town bravely fought on, but were unable to secure a battling draw. And despite their endeavour, a second straight defeat leaves Grimsby 20th in League 2, just four points above the relegation zone.

Hurst was frustrated with some of the decisions from officials during the game but commended his team for how they got back into it. “From our point of view, there was a bit extra there, a lot of character there, we had them on the ropes, especially in periods of that second half.