Ben Woods bags brace as Accrington strike back to beat Grimsby

Ben Woods scored a brace as struggling Accrington celebrated a much-needed 3-2 League Two comeback win over promotion-chasing Grimsby.

The Mariners led twice but midfielder Woods fired home a free-kick eight minutes from time for Stanley’s first win in nine league games.

Grimsby opened the scoring after five minutes when Denver Hume’s free-kick found captain Kieran Green and his header looped into the net.

Stanley equalised – four minutes later – when Sonny Aljofree’s ball into the box was only cleared to Woods, just inside the area and he rifled the ball home.

The Mariners then created the better chances with Evan Khouri hitting the woodwork.

Grimsby retook the lead after 39 minutes when Green’s initial strike was pushed out by Billy Crellin and Khouri pounced to rifle the ball into the empty net.

The Mariners continued to create chances but it was Stanley who struck next on the hour mark. Cameron McJannet was judged to have brought down Josh Woods in the area and Shaun Whalley sent Jordan Wright the wrong way from penalty spot.

It could have gone either way before Woods’ free-kick squirmed through everyone for a Stanley win as they moved up two places to 20th.