Kristian Dennis’ late strike earns Tranmere victory at Grimsby

A stoppage-time winner from substitute Kristian Dennis saw Tranmere emerge 2-1 victors against Grimsby in a dramatic finish at Blundell Park.

The visitors went ahead in the 19th minute as Charlie Whitaker cut in from the left flank and curled an effort into the far bottom corner of the net.

Tranmere had the ball in the back of the net again 10 minutes into the second half, but Joe Ironside was offside as Omari Patrick’s shot deflected off him.

Joe Murphy made two big saves, first denying Charles Vernam from close range before stopping Jamie Walker’s powerful volley from the subsequent corner.

Darragh Burns equalised for Grimsby in the 67th minute as he fired past a rooted Murphy from just outside the box.

Burns then hit the post from point-blank range as the hosts dominated possession and territory in search of a winner.

It was the visitors who got it, though, as Grimsby failed to clear their lines from a cross, allowing Dennis to sneak in and win it at the death.