Grimsby Town were on the wrong side of a second-half comeback as they lost 3-2 away at Accrington Stanley in their first game of 2025.

Goal from Kieran Green and Evan Khouri on either side of a Ben Woods strike had the Mariners in front at the break, but they were unable to hit the same levels in the second half of the home side fought back for their first win since early November.

Shaun Whalley converted from the penalty spot, and Woods scored directly from a free-kick to flip the game on its head in wet and windy conditions in Lancashire.

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It was an eventful start to the game as both teams found the net inside the first ten minutes. Town went ahead through Green, who guided a brilliant header into the top left corner from near the edge of the area as he got on the end of Denver Hume’s free-kick delivery.

The home side managed to produce a fairly rapid response. Ben Woods fired into the roof of the net from the centre of the box after it was delivered low from Accrington’s right flank.

Cameron McJannet had a header at the near post from a corner blocked on the line just a few minutes after the equaliser, but the hosts then gained more territory with the ball for a short period as Grimsby looked to reset after a frantic start.

For the first time in the match, Town were able to create an opening from open play when Jason Dadi Svanthrosson got on the ball, cutting inside before turning back and slipping the ball through for Khouri, who hit the post with his shot from the left side of the box.

There was an even period in the first half after a flurry of early opportunities, but as the form team in the match, Town found their feet as time went on and managed to get themselves back in front before the half-time interval.

Khouri had waited a while to get his first professional goal, which finally came on Boxing Day against Harrogate Town. He now had his second in just three games as he followed in on a Green shot that was saved with a first-time finish into the bottom right corner.

It was the first league start of the campaign for Rekeil Pyke up top, and his deft flick round the corner sent Green through on goal for the chance that led to Grimsby’s second. The goal was the left real chance of the half, with Town edging a fairly even first period.

It was a quiet start to the second half for Town, but they did create a great chance to pull further ahead ten minutes into it, as Khouri broke down the right flank with the ball, crossing it over to Green who instead of shooting in the box pulled it back across goal.

Pyke was following in, but there was enough pressure put on him by the Accrington defender to force him to shoot wide as he went close to his first goal of the season.

Having missed chances that could have increased their advantage, Town could not hold onto their lead. McJannet conceded a penalty as he stepped in to try and win the ball off Josh Woods, not making any contact with the ball with his challenge.

Whalley converted from 12 yards as the rain started to pound down, with Town knowing they might have to weather another storm to pick up more points on the road. That said, Svanthorsson had a chance to give his side the lead for a third time with his head, but he could not get the power or direction on his effort as he got on the end of a Danny Rose cross.

Luca Barrington also came on in the second half to try and inject some fresh energy into the team, and he forced a save from William Crellin with a first-time volley as Lewis Cass threw it to him on the edge of the box.

The second equaliser was a poor one to concede from Town’s perspective, and the hosts took the lead for the first time in the final ten minutes with another avoidable goal. A free-kick was given away near the edge of the box off to the right side, and a low delivery from Woods went through bodies and Wright, who would have been disappointed not to keep the ball out.

After a confident first-half display, Town were their own worst enemy after the break, with two Accrington goals they will look back on with frustration. These goals saw them lose their first game of the new year from a strong position.