Report: Grimsby Town 1 Hull City XI 0

GRIMSBY Town bounced back from consecutive pre-season defeats with a solid display in a 1-0 victory against a Hull City XI last night.

Town took the lead after 20 minutes through Lenell John-Lewis, from the penalty spot, and controlled the game for large periods at Blundell Park.

John-Lewis and substitute Andy Cook had further chances for the hosts, but a solitary goal from 12 yards proved to be enough in front of a respectable Main Stand crowd.

After signing for the Mariners earlier in the day, goalkeeper Jonathan Hedge made his debut for the club, protected by a back four of Sam Hatton, Shaun Pearson, Clayton McDonald and Paul Bignot.

McDonald, too, was making his first appearance in a Town shirt.

Liam Hearn was back among the matchday squad, but the Hitman had to settle for a place on the bench as John-Lewis, Ross Hannah and Dayle Southwell were selected in attack.

And the trio came up against a familiar face in the Tigers ranks – Conor Townsend, who spent a season on loan at Blundell Park in 2011/2012, captained the young visitors.

Despite a warm reception for the ex-Town man, it was Hull who were nearly celebrating in the opening minute when Danny Chambers, cutting in from the left, fired narrowly wide.

And there was more danger for the Mariners soon after, but Hedge introduced himself to the home fans with a superb stop to deny a powerful Matthew Dixon header.

Town began to edge their way into the contest and, after two set pieces in testing positions, they found themselves in front.

It came from the right boot of John-Lewis, who dusted himself down from an untimely Dixon challenge to find the net from 12 yards.

And it could have been two as half-time approached – but a spectacular half-volley from Joe Colbeck was well blocked by Ryan Fallowfield.

Bosses Rob Scott and Paul Hurst made eight substitutions after the break but, despite those changes, the flow of the game continued with the Mariners.

John-Lewis was particularly impressive up front, but the striker was withdrawn after 60 minutes as Hearn was summoned from the bench.

The Hitman was called into action alongside Paddy McLaughlin and last season's top goalscorer, Andy Cook, as part of a three-man switch.

And the latter had a decent opportunity to add to the Town advantage, but Hull stopper Joe Cracknell was equal to the task and the score remained 1-0.