Carlisle close in on play-offs

Carlisle rewarded the efforts of ground staff and volunteers with a 2-0 win over Grimsby to claim their fourth straight win.Tons of snow were removed from Brunton Park to ensure the Sky Bet League Two game went ahead and goals from Hallam Hope and Mark Ellis moved Carlisle to within three points of the play-offs.On the flip side, Carlisle's victory meant more bad news for the Mariners and their new manager Michael Jolley, with their winless run extended to 15 games.Carlisle raced ahead inside the first three minutes with a sweeping move down the right as Mike Jones sent Ashley Nadesan sprinting clear. Richie Bennett was first to the low cross and after James McKeown had pushed out the initial effort, Hope was on hand to stroke the ball home from 12 yards for his 11th goal of the season.Grimsby, with Jolley watching on from the directors' box, threatened to strike back when Jamille Matt burst through powerfully in the box. However the ball ran away from him and Jack Bonham in the Carlisle goal was able to safely grab it as it squirmed loose.Jamie Devitt was a fraction away from doubling Carlisle's lead in the 34th minute with a thundering 30-yard drive which smacked against the bar.Bonham came to Carlisle's rescue in the 63rd minute when he produced a timely block to thwart Harry Cardwell when the Grimsby forward looked a certain scorer.But just when Grimsby were enjoying their best spell, Carlisle made it 2-0 in the 73rd minute when Ellis headed home Devitt's corner from the left.Hope missed an 85th minute penalty after John O'Sullivan had been bundled over in the box, McKeown diving to his left to produce a good save.