Veteran striker Steve Claridge kept Millwall on course for a play-off place after his brace secured victory over relegation-threatened Grimsby.

Claridge pounced from close range two minutes before half-time after Dennis Wise had seen his shot parried by goalkeeper Danny Coyne.

He sealed the points for the visitors eight minutes from time when he converted a penalty after Steven Reid had been fouled by Grimsby defender John McDermott.

It was a different story in the first half when Lions goalkeeper Tony Warner pulled off a string of fine saves to deny Grimsby a deserved lead.

The Mariners, unbeaten in their last four league games, nearly made the best possible start.

Player-manager Paul Groves steered a header on target but Warner tipped the ball over.

A minute later the returning Simon Ford unleashed a shot which Warner also saved.

Millwall just could not get going and Town's Stuart Campbell fired wide as the hosts continued to press.

It took Millwall, seven points off the play-off zone, 20 minutes to register their first attempt at goal.

That man Claridge again - this time he saw his effort comfortably saved by Coyne.

But his industry was ultimately rewarded as he bagged two goals to hand Millwall a 2-0 win.

Grimsby: Coyne, McDermott, Chettle, Ford, Gallimore, Cooke, Groves, Campbell, Barnard, Livingstone, Boulding. Subs: Allaway, Mansaram, Soames, Ward, Bolder.

Millwall: Warner, Lawrence, Robinson, Ward, Ryan, Ifill, Livermore, Wise, Reid, Claridge, Braniff. Subs: Gueret, Bull, Sweeney, Hearn, Baltacha.

Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear)