GRIMSBY Town gained a crucial psychological advantage over Newport County AFC ahead of their play-offs showdown with a comfortable 3-0 win over the Exiles.

The two sides will meet again at Blundell Park in the first leg of their play-offs semi-final on Wednesday night and the Mariners will be confident of claiming a place at Wembley after a confidence-boosting victory.

Goals from Jamie Devitt, Andi Thanoj and Liam Hearn sealed the three points on the last day of the regular Blue Square Bet Premier campaign and County will be hoping that a much-changed side will be considerably more competitive in the end of season lottery.