Jordan Davies netted a superb stoppage-time free-kick to halt a Cheltenham comeback as Grimsby won a five-goal thriller 3-2 at Blundell Park.

The Wrexham loanee scored twice for the Mariners, who surrendered a two-goal lead in the second half but landed the final punch to claim their first league win of the campaign.

The hosts took the lead on the stroke of half-time when a fantastic Charles Vernam free-kick from the left landed right on the head of Davies who had an easy header to score.

Grimsby doubled their advantage in the 51st minute with creator turning into scorer as Vernam fired in a shot from outside the area which swerved into the top-left corner of Owen Evans’ net.

Cheltenham quickly replied to the Mariners’ second goal as Luke Young’s deflected effort got through in the 61st minute to halve the deficit.

The away side then found an equaliser in the 82nd minute as Matty Taylor turned in from close range.

The game looked to be heading for a draw, but up stepped Davies with a brilliant free-kick three minutes into stoppage time to regain the lead and snatch victory for Grimsby.