Evan Khouri netted a goal and assisted another as Grimsby secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Colchester in a highly anticipated playoff battle.
In the first half, Khouri missed a chance from Luca Barrington's delivery for the Mariners, but they took the lead just after the second half had kicked off for only 30 seconds.
Khouri provided a precise cross from the edge of the pitch, leading to Kieran Green finding the back of the net from close range.
Colchester managed to level the score in the 51st minute, as former Grimsby loanee Owura Edwards received a pass from Jack Payne at the edge of the box and slotted a left-footed shot into the net off the far post.
Grimsby's goalkeeper Jordan Wright made a crucial save from Arthur Read's powerful 20-yard strike, while on the other end, Matt Macey produced a remarkable reflex save to prevent Harvey Rodgers' attempt as both teams pushed for a goal.
Macey denied Barrington with another important save, but Khouri sealed the victory for Grimsby by calmly slotting in a goal from Barrington's pass following a mistake by Tom Flanagan.