Neil Woods’s Grimsby Town youth team moved up to second in Youth Alliance Cup group D with a 2-1 away win over Salford City.

Lennon Stead and Lewis Derrick scored either side of half time to put Town on six points after three matches, with one remaining – at home to group leaders Walsall.

Both teams started well in an entertaining contest – Town produced some neat play when Stead saw his shot blocked by the goalkeeper, and at Salford found the woodwork at the other end.

The young Mariners had the best opportunity to open the scoring when Stead made a great run into the box after some good possession-based football, only to be fouled and be awarded a penalty. It was Stead who stepped up but hit the woodwork.

Town continued to be bright in possession, and on the half-hour mark the Salford captain was shown a red card for a late challenge on Painter.

Painter recovered well as it was him while stole the ball in midfield to slide Stead in who found the net this time to make it 1-0.

Town controlled possession then with some excellent play from midway through the first half to midway into the second half.

Ayodeji Owoeye almost produced the goal of the season as he went on a great solo run and smashed one from 30 yards, but it came back off the bar.

Salford started to come back into the game as they hit the post and had one cleared off the line.

But Town double there lead in the 80th minute after a smart pull-back for Derrick to slot home.

The game wasn’t finished there as Salford did get one back in the last minute to make it 2-1, but Town managed to hang on for a vital win in the competition.

The young Mariners host Rugby Town in the FA Youth Cup on Friday, November 1.