Mariners sinking towards the drop

CARETAKER boss Paul Wilkinson is under no illusions that there are “no quick or easy fixes” after plummeting Grimsby stretched their winless run to 14 games.

The mood around Blundell Park darkened further as the Mariners went down to ten-man Exeter City thanks to a Jayden Stockley penalty in the first half.

Grimsby must now look nervously over their shoulders as their woeful run of form has dragged them into a relegation dogfight.

“We’re lacking confidence and that is the tale of the season so far,” said Wilkinson.

“It is so frustrating and the lads are devastated.

“I know I can get us out of this position. I have to be confident after that performance because we played really well.

“There is no quick or easy fix for us. We just have to work hard and be determined, as a team, to make sure this bad luck ends somewhere.

“We have a lot of the teams around us to play and they will be vital.”

A poor match momentarily burst into life when the Grecians were awarded a penalty against the run of play on 37 minutes.

Jake Taylor was tripped in the box and striker Stockley made no mistake when he drilled the ball low into the left corner from 12 yards.

Two minutes later and the hosts themselves were awarded a spot-kick after Harry Cardwell tumbled in the box.

Unfortunately, for Grimsby fans, JJ Hooper’s effort was dragged horribly wide of the target.

There was precious little in way of action in the second half until Exeter’s Kane Wilson received his marching orders in the 81st minute.

Referee Andy Haines had little choice but to show a second yellow card after the right-back was late on Diallang Jaiyesimi.

But Grimsby lacked any genuine quality going forward and the promotion-chasing Grecians held on comfortably. Exeter boss Paul Tisdale said: “We managed to defend well, get our noses in front, and just got stuck in to ensure we got the points.

“Grimsby were geared up and they just needed to take a breath when they were in the final third.

“There were some big defensive performances for us and everyone at the back deserves credit. We dug in, in a match where we had to if we were going to pick up what are a very important three points.

“We did the basics very well and I’m pleased.”