LEAGUE 2 ROUND-UP

PADRAIG AMOND showed no sentiment on his return to Blundell Park, bagging a brace as Hartlepool secured an impressive 3-0 win over play-off chasing Grimsby.

The Irishman – who was the Mariners top-scorer last season as they won promotion back to the Football League – struck twice in the first-half, with Pool’s leading marksman Nathan Thomas adding an impudent third after the break as Craig Hignett’s men ended Town’s run of back-to-back victories.

Amond’s first came after he pounced on the rebound after Lewis Alessandra had hit a post, before adding a second after heading home when left unmarked in the box.

Grimsby saw three quick-fire efforts kept out by Pools stopper Trevor Carson, before Pools extended their advantage with Thomas’ superb turn-and-lob over James McKeown from the edge of the box.

Morecambe’s game at Notts County lasted just 10 minutes, before a sudden downpour waterlogged the pitch, making the surface unplayable.

Shrimps goalkeeper Barry Roche had superbly saved from Stanley Aborah, but then the heavens opened, with referee Dean Whitestone bringing play to a halt after consulting both managers.

“The referee had no option but to call the game off, although maybe he could have done it earlier,” said Morecambe boss Jim Bentley.

Carlisle maintained their unbeaten record, with goals from Jason Kennedy and Jabo Ibehre ensuring a 2-0 success over Colchester

Blackpool slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Crawley in the two sides’ first-ever meeting, with Mark Connolly heading the game’s only goal in the 69th minute.