Mike Newell's 50th game in charge of Grimsby ended in defeat as his side lost 3-2 at Chesterfield in League Two despite a spirited fightback.

More Stories

• Scores & scorers
• League Two table

Derek Niven's first goal of the season put the Spireites on their way and former Mariners striker Jack Lester and Donal McDermott added further goals in the second half before Adam Proudlock and Peter Sweeney replied.

It might have been a happier evening for Newell had Chesterfield goalkeeper Tommy Lee not clawed out an Adrian Forbes shot in the 17th minute.

But the home side always looked dangerous and Nick Colgan denied Wade Small and Lester before Niven fired low through a crowded area from just outside the box on the half hour.

Grimsby went further behind in the 54th minute when McDermott went past two defenders on the right and set up Lester and he found the top-right corner from 14 yards.

McDermott added a neatly taken third in the 69th minute, and although Proudlock headed one back and Sweeney blasted in a second from 30 yards, it was still a night to forget for Newell.