³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Grimsby Town boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation from League Two as Danny Rose's goal secured victory over Newport County.

Skipper Rose steered home from inside the penalty area as Newport suffered a fourth straight defeat.

Grimsby had a number of chances to extend their lead, with Rose and Donovan Wilson denied by fine Nick Townsend saves.

But the Mariners held on for a first win in five games.

Grimsby now sit five points clear of the bottom two, with Newport dropping to 16th having seen their disappointing run continue.

Offrande Zanzala had the Exiles' best opportunity before the break but sent his header off target.

Newport manager Graham Coughlan:

"We weren't good enough. We make a mistake at the back, similar to last week, they were sharper, they get in and put the ball in the back of the net. We didn't, they did.

"They looked like they had a cause, their cause was probably greater than our cause today. Fair play to them.

"It's sad looking at some of our players, where they were to where they are now. Unfortunately I don't think we were good enough today.

"We were probably lucky it was only one. It's not a nice place to be at this moment but we have four games left and we'll see what the future holds for a number of these players."