Grimsby Town youth team fell to a 4-1 defeat to Notts County in the EFL North East Youth Alliance at Cheapside.

Neil Woods’s side started brightly and created a number of opportunities, with Brandon McPherson scoring but for it to be ruled offside, and Lennon Stead came close on a couple of occasions.

But it was the Magpies who got the first goal of the game, as they scored with a free-kick from the edge of the area.

And they doubled their lead soon after when a cross came in for the striker, who tapped home his rebound from close-range after his initial header hit the post.

But Town equalised instantly when Smaller’s long pass found McPherson who slotted home after breaking away from the defender.

The young Mariners were still in touch despite being 2-1 down at half time, but the visitors began to control possession.

But Stead produced some good play for Town as he smashed the ball across the box, only to miss the sliding McPherson by inches.

From then on Notts County controlled the game with some excellent possession-based football.

And they added further to their lead with another header to make it 3-1, and a penalty to make it 4-1.

The young Mariners travel to Huddersfield Town in the EFL North East Youth Alliance on Saturday (11.30am).