A long-range strike from Jamie Clarke handed Grimsby a fortunate 1-0 victory against lowly Bury at Sincil Bank on Tuesday night.Clarke fired in a 25-yard curler five minutes before half-time to secure a win against a Shakers side who missed a host of good chances.

Bury could have opened the scoring after 33 minutes when Nicky Adams escaped down the right and picked out Richie Baker, but his close-range effort was well saved by goalkeeper Phil Barnes.

They were made to pay when Grimsby went ahead. Clarke picked up a throw from Nick Heggarty on the left, turned and fired in a 25-yard right-foot shot which hit the inside of the far post and bounced into the net.

Barnes came to Grimsby's rescue just before the break when he kept out Andy Bishop's shot with his legs.

Bury substitute Simon Yeo should have levelled after being played in by Bishop in the 79th minute, but he put a left-foot shot wide from a good position.

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