Ten-man City battled to a much-needed win at Grimsby to bounce back to form.

Omar Daley set them on their way with a superb sixth-minute opener. But Matt Clarke's red card five minutes later for a professional foul made it a real battle against a side who have not won in the league since March 22.

Former Grimsby striker Michael Boulding made it 2-0 after 32 minutes and a superb save from Rhys Evans denied Nick Hegarty one back soon after the break.

Skipper Graeme Lee notched his first City goal with a thumping header before Liam Trotter responded.

Grimsby huffed and puffed but City defended superbly, although the result was tarnished by the sight of Joe Colbeck being carried off on a stretcher.

CITY: Evans, Moncur, Lee, M Clarke, O'Brien, Colbeck, McLaren, Furman, Daley, Boulding, Thorne. Subs: Arnison, Conlon, T Clarke, Osborne, McLaughlin.