Goals at the beginning of each half saw Stockton Town secure a fourth-straight win.

Stephen Thompson scored the opener inside four minutes and Michael Fowler got the decisive second in the opening exchanges of the second half.

Grimsby Borough ended the game with ten-men when substitute Kieran Perry received a straight red.

Michael Dunwell named two changes to the starting line-up with Tom Portas and Mikey Roberts coming in Shane Henry and Michael Sweet.

Stockton Town made a fast start and led when beautiful build-up play ended with Thompson driving home from the edge of the box.

The Anchors almost doubled their lead when more good play saw Fowler played in but his effort was comfortable for Liam Higton.

Grimsby Borough had a big opportunity when neat work saw Lewis Collins played in but Nathan Harker thwarted him with a strong save.

Another chance came for Stockton when Thompson put in an inch-perfect cross for Fowler who acrobatically sent it wide.

HT: Grimsby Borough 0-1 Stockton Town

Early in the second half, Stockton doubled their lead when Hayes did well to keep possession on the right and he played it into Fowler who tucked home.

Shortly before the hour mark Grimsby Borough almost pulled a goal back when Edwin Essel was played through but his initial effort struck the post and his second attempt sas dragged wide.

Any hope the hosts had of getting back into the game were disintegrated on 73 minutes when substitute Kieran Perry was shown a straight red for a reckless challenge on Portas.

Stockton nearly added a third when Hayes burst through but he was denied by a strong hand from Higton.

Further gloss could have been added in the final moments as Sweet had two chances. First he had shot blocked in the box and then his header struck the bar.

In the end Stockton ran out 2-0 winners to make it four successive wins and 17 games unbeaten.

Full-Time: Grimsby Borough 0-2 Stockton Town