GRIMSBY Town slipped to the first defeat of their pre-season campaign this evening - losing 2-1 at Matlock Town.
The Mariners again made a raft of changes - both before and during the clash with the Northern Premier League outfit.
But it was the Gladiators who took the lead, with Ben Hutchinson bending home a pearler after 25 minutes - leaving James McKeown with no chance.
Scott Neilson pulled the visitors level six minutes later after rounding the Matlock keeper.
However, there was no further score until 19 minutes from time when Leon Osborne poked a low cross home at the far post - after scuffing his initial effort.
And the hosts comfortably held out for the win as the Mariners struggled to find any fluidity in the closing stages.
TOWN: McKeown (Bastock 86), Bignot (Walker 62), Winfarrah (Pearson 62), Magnay (Humble 62), Doig (Nsiala 62), Brown (McLaughlin 45), Disley (Mackreth 57), Clay, Neilson, Hannah (Thomas 62), Ironside (John-Lewis 62).
See tomorrow's Telegraph for full match report, reaction and more pictures
