Grimsby rally against Ebbsfleet to reach FA Cup second round

Grimsby recovered from a first-half scare to beat 10-man Ebbsfleet 3-1 at Blundell Park and progress in the FA Cup.

The Mariners avoided back-to-back first-round exits at the hands of non-league opposition despite falling behind in the first half.

The visitors took a deserved lead in the 34th minute as they broke quickly from a turnover in the middle of the park.

Charlie Seaman broke into the box and fired a low shot, which squirmed under the body of Christy Pym at his near post and in.

Ebbsfleet’s task of defending their slender lead was made tougher when Ben Chapman was shown a straight red for his challenge on Jamie Walker in the second minute of first-half stoppage time.

Grimsby skipper Danny Rose brought his side back level in the 53rd minute, getting the last touch on Charles Vernam’s deflected effort.

The hosts were then in front three minutes later, with Cameron McJannet bundling the ball in from a yard out after another six-yard box scramble.

Rose was well-placed again to see another shot deflect off him, and in, this time from Geza David Turi, as Grimsby scored a third in the 67th minute and, with that, secured a second-round berth.