Grimsby finish in style to brush aside Gillingham and keep play-off hopes alive

Grimsby boosted the League Two play-off hopes with a convincing 4-1 win at Gillingham.

Andy Cook gave the Mariners a first-half lead and, even though Garath McCleary’s solo effort brought the hosts level, Jaze Kabia, Kieran Green and Charles Vernam scored three quickfire second-half goals to earn the visitors a crucial win.

The first opportunity of note fell for the hosts when Ronan Hale drilled a right-footed effort wide of the left post.

Cook went close for the visitors but his effort was gathered by Glenn Morris.

However, the former Bradford striker made amends just before the interval when he latched on to Green’s header and then produced a great finish to beat Morris.

The Gills were brighter following the interval and got back on level terms after 56 minutes when Armani Little’s cross-field pass was perfectly controlled by McCleary, whose first touch took a defender out of the game before he chipped the ball over the onrushing Jackson Smith.

However, Grimsby rallied and scored three times in 12 minutes.

Kabia got the first in the 74th minute when a defensive mix-up allowed the forward to tap home from the edge of the box.

Green then headed home a Vernam corner in the 80th minute before the roles were reversed five minutes later when Green’s low cross was converted by Vernam to complete a dominant display.