Pawel Abbott scored twice as Darlington overcame a 2-0 deficit to see off Grimsby and keep alive their hopes of snatching an automatic promotion place.

The unmarked Martin Butler put the visitors ahead from close range and a minute later doubled the lead after rounding defender Ian Miller.

A crazy five minutes ended with Abbott replying by lobbing Phil Barnes and he sidefooted the second on half-time.

Tommy Wright hit the winner by turning and firing home from 18 yards.

Darlington: Stockdale, Austin, Foster, Miller, Cummins (Valentine 80), Purdie, Parker, Joachim, Abbott (Blundell 84), Wright (Ndumbu-Nsungu 84), Kennedy.
Subs Not Used: Liversidge, Hodge.

Booked: Wright, Austin.

Goals: Abbott 33, 44, Wright 64.

Grimsby: Barnes, Clarke, Newey, Hunt, Atkinson (Toner 80), Fenton, Till, Bolland, Boshell (Bore 67), Butler, Bennett (Whittle 46).
Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Taylor.

Booked: Clarke, Bolland.

Goals: Butler 29, 30.

Att: 3,499.

Ref: Anthony Taylor (Greater Manchester).