EASTLEIGH fell to a 2-0 defeat at Grimsby and were lucky to escape a third with a stoppage time penalty missed.

Goals from Michee Efete and Ben Fox ensured Grimsby preserved their unbeaten start to the National League campaign at Blundell Park, while the Spitfires only have five points from their opening six matches.

Manager Ben Strevens started again with his five-at-the-back shape and named an unchanged side to the one that hammered Dover 4-1 on Tuesday evening.

The Mariners, relegated from the Football League last season, had twice threatened before finally breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when Efete headed in Alex Hunt’s corner.

Will Bapaga was denied by a fine save from Eastleigh goalkeeper Joe McDonnell before the home side doubled their lead in style, Fox firing in from 20 yards in the 74th minute.

Grimsby missed a chance to make it three in additional time when John McAtee’s penalty – after Bapaga had been upended – hit the post.

The gap from seventh place and the play-offs has already extended to seven points, with Strevens’ side having one game in hand, leaving plenty of catch-up work to be done.