Grimsby Town 0 Torquay United 3

Was it ever in doubt? Well, yes, a few weeks ago one or two United supporters and neutral observers were predicting a right battle for the Gulls in an attempt to stave off relegation back into the Blue Square Premier but a superb set of results in April have blown away any threat and indeed a very respectable League 2 placing is well within their reach over the remaining matches.

United weren't on top form in the first half and Grimsby were always going to give it a good go in their position but in the second half when most people were expecting a 'kitchen sink' effort from the home side United put the issue to bed with some neat team play and individual brilliance which their hosts couldn't get near matching.

United were unchanged with Michael Poke continuing in goal although Scott Bevan did take a spot on the bench after going off injured against Rochdale.

Perhaps understandably Grimsby made the better start considering their perilous league position but it was United who created the first chance of the game; Nicky Wroe released Mustapha Carayol who got to the by-line and centred for Elliot Benyon but out of character Elliot miscued his effort and the moment passed.

Mark Ellis picked up an early booking for a tackle on Wright but from the resultant free-kick there was no danger to Michael Poke's goal. The match was being played at a fair pace and as the opening fifteen minutes passed United had withstood the early barrage from the home side and had a good foothold in the match.

The match was full of effort but clear chances were few and far between in the first quarter of the game and the only real moment of note was the booking of Guy Branston for a tackle on Devitt which left United with both their centre backs walking a tightrope with over an hour of the match remaining and it would have its repercussions later.

The match was peppered with minor fouls which did nothing to encourage a good tempo to the match but as far as the Gulls were concerned ninety minutes of the same would do just fine; this of all days was a match that United would, as always, do everything to try and win but if a hard fought ''non-event'' got them the vital point then they would happily jump back on the bus and come home satisfied.

United came close to opening the scoring as the half reached its conclusion when Kevin Nicholson whipped over a left foot free-kick which was met by Chris Zebroski but he couldn't keep his header down and it went a yard over the crossbar. Shortly after and Chris Zebroski had another opportunity to open the scoring after Grimsby struggled to clear a Kevin Nicholson corner and Zebs had a free swing at the ball from close range but he couldn't find the target. If any side looked like scoring it was the Gulls but so far they had left their shooting boots on the bus.

Half-Time: Grimsby 0 United 0

United made a good start to the second half with a period of pressure on the Grimsby goal. Chris Zebroski flashed an effort across the six yard box and from a superbly struck Kevin Nicholson corner Scott Rendell headed just wide. It was exactly the right way for United to take the sting out what was bound to be a real second half effort from the desperate home side.

Out of nothing the first major drama of the match occurred when Elliot Benyon was, according to referee Mr. Salisbury, fouled after turning sharply inside the area after latching on to a Nicky Wroe through ball. The United skipper then stepped and calmly put the spot kick away for his twelfth goal of the season.

Goal: Grimsby 0 United 1 (Wroe 54, pen)

This was just the start that United needed to the second period, they hadn't been on top form in the first half but had now dealt their hosts a huge blow and had a real chance to go on and secure another victory.

Grimsby were trying their very best to attempt a recovery but United had other ideas; Mustapha Carayol jigged his way down the left wing and sent over a superb cross which was touched on at the near post by Chris Zebroski and finished by Elliot Benyon. Carayol's influence in the goal was immeasurable and a reflection of what he can produce; on his day he is almost unplayable.

Goal: Grimsby 0 United 2 (Benyon 62)

Immediately after the restart Michael Poke had to make a save from Coulson and just as United were coasting toward a victory Guy Branston fouled Akpa Akpro twice in quick succession and was shown a second yellow card swiftly followed by the red and left the field. It was an unnecessary complication for Bucks to have to deal with but a two goal advantage at least left the Gulls still in prime position. The sending off is the first negative that Guy has brought to the table since his arrival at Plainmoor and his influence over the last dozen games cannot be undone by a double booking dismissal on this occasion.

Sending Off: Guy Branston (second yellow card)

Grimsby must now have thought that they had a sniff of a chance but Mustapha Carayol had other ideas; Muzzie picked the ball up in a central position and ghosted his way toward goal and finished sublimely past Colgan, he made it look easy.

Goal: Grimsby 0 United 3 (Carayol 71)

Bucks made an immediate change with Elliot Benyon making way for Kieran Charnock although things by now probably didn't need stiffening at the back! Grimsby were creating one or two half chances but they couldn't test Michael Poke nearly enough.

Soon after Bucks then made a double change with Scott Rendell & Mustapha Carayol being replaced by Tyrone Thompson & Eunan O'Kane respectively. The changes meant that Chris Zebroski now occupied the lone striker role with the Gulls down to ten men.

Grimsby's afternoon was summed up when Akpa Akpro managed to turn the ball behind from a yard with Michael Poke a spectator, it would only have been a consolation anyway but the groans from the crowd seemed more than just a reaction to the miss.

United nearly put the icing on the cake when they played their way up the pitch with Lee Mansell, Eunan O'Kane and Nicky Wroe producing some neat football which ended with O'Kane providing a chance for Nicky Wroe but his effort didn't trouble Colgan.

The final moments finally saw United take their three goal lead and lift their foot off the gas. The last five matches have produced 13 points, twelve goals with only one conceded including four clean sheets in a row and counting which is a marvellous return and a testament to the hard work from the players and staff. It's been a while since followers of the Gulls could sit back, relax and actually enjoy the final three matches of a season and not have to try and keep hold of their nerves and finger nails.

Although everyone is delighted with another fine win there is no pleasure taken in sending a team a step closer to non-league football, we have been there and probably wouldn't wish it on anyone but every club was aware of the fate that could await back in August and we wish whoever goes down a speedy return. Finally, well done to Paul and his players & staff for achieving their main target of the season: Football League status for 2010/11. Also, well done today to Notts County & Rochdale for deserved promotions.