Fleetwood make winning start as Mark Helm scores on debut

Mark Helm’s first-half goal gave Fleetwood a winning start to the season against Grimsby.

Helm scored what turned out to be the only goal on his debut as the Cod Army began life back in League Two with a victory.

Grimsby had actually started the brighter of the two but failed to capitalise on early chances as Charles Vernam fired wide and Jason Dadi Svanthorsson’s goalbound effort was blocked on the line.

Fleetwood gradually found their feet and went close when Ronan Coughlan was picked out by Tommy Lonergan, Mariners keeper Jordan Wright well placed to save.

But on 18 minutes Fleetwood did find the opening goal. Mackenzie Hunt sent a low ball across a crowded area and Helm steered it neatly into the bottom corner.

The game was paused midway through the half for a medical emergency in the crowd and the break killed the momentum for both sides. Coughlan did have the ball in the Grimsby net shortly before the break but the offside flag had already been raised.

Danny Mayor and Hunt each had a chance to double Fleetwood’s lead in the second half but Mayor could only shoot at Wright and Hunt’s effort was deflected over.

However, Grimsby struggled to cause any real problems for the Fleetwood defence and Helm’s goal proved enough for the hosts to take the points.