Trevor Benjamin struck on the hour mark to break Grimsby's brave resistance and edge Leicester ever closer to a rapid return to the Premiership.

Callum Davidson added to the total to put the game beyond The Mariners and seal a 2-0 success for boss Micky Adams' side.

Afterwards Adams said: "They made it difficult for us by sticking to a system they have found successful and our performance, especially in the first half, gave them confidence.

"I told the players at half-time that it looks like they were on holiday and needed to pick up the tempo.

"I thought the two-week break we have just had did us no favours at all, it meant we lost the momentum we had built up.

"I have been told that it is exactly a year ago today that we were relegated from the Premiership. But now this is a totally different club from then.

"It is a vibrant place, especially at the training ground which is a nice place to go and work. I wasn't so sure about that this time last year."

Grimsby player-manager Paul Groves said: "Leicester are a good side and a very strong side. That shows because they have been up at the top all season.

"But for 60 minutes we gave a good account of ourselves. We passed the ball well and had a couple of chances and forced a number of corners.

"If Steve Livingstone's disallowed goal had counted we might have managed to sneak something late on.

"But I was very pleased with the players because they battled right to the end.

"We've now got six games left and every one will be massive if we are to stay up. If we keep our spirits going then we will have a chance."