Substitute Shaun Whalley scored a spectacular goal to help Accrington Stanley to a 2-0 win over 10-man Grimsby Town and move the Reds up to ninth spot in League Two.

Whalley came on on the hour mark and, after Luke Waterfall was sent off for two yellow cards on 72 minutes, his 22-yard strike found the top corner of the net.

Birmingham loan striker Josh Andrews made it safe with a headed goal on 82 minutes for his sixth goal of the season as Stanley made it three wins on the bounce.

Tommy Leigh returned to the starting line-up after a calf injury while Jay Rich-Baghuelou was back in league action after a three-game suspension.

Former Red Harvey Rodgers headed over in the early stages while Rich-Baghuelou made a last-ditch block to stop Harry Clifton firing into an empty goal.

Andrews could only guide Rosaire Longelo’s cross over the bar and Abo Eisa couldn’t convert from close range for Grimsby.

Joe Pritchard had a fierce strike deflected wide while the former Bolton forward had another strike deflected off-target on the stroke of half-time.

Grimsby had a great chance on the hour mark but unmarked Eisa rifled well over in the six yard box.

The game became open with Pritchard driving an effort just wide.

Mariners captain Waterfall was sent off for a second bookable offence on 72 minutes.

Two minutes later Stanley took the lead when Whalley got the ball around 25 yards out, ran forward and rifled it into the top of the net.

Minutes later Pritchard got the ball around 30 yards out, saw the keeper off his line, and his shot hit the frame of the goal.

It was all the Reds and they made it two on 82 minutes when Jack Nolan’s ball into the area was headed home by Andrews.

Grimsby hit the post in the final minute and Jon McCracken pushed over a Danny Amos strike in added time as Stanley kept their first clean sheet in the league since the opening day of the season.

The only downside was an injury to Matt Lowe late into the game

Stanley: McCracken, Longelo, Hills, Rich-Baghuelou, Lowe (Mellor), Pritchard, B Lowe, Martin, Nolan, Leigh (Whalley), Andrews

Subs: McIntyre, Shipley, Gubbins, Adedoyin, J Woods

Yellow: Leigh, Martin

Attendance: 6335 (116 from asfc)