Grimsby maintained their winning start to the new year with a 1-0 triumph over 10-man Barnet at Blundell Park.
Joe Kizzi was shown a straight red card in the 11th minute for what the referee deemed an overzealous challenge on Evan Khouri.
It seemed the hosts were instead calling for Idris Kanu’s dismissal for his follow-up on the Grimsby midfielder.
Bees boss Dean Brennan was sent to the stands for his reaction to the decision, compounding the visitors’ early troubles.
Darragh Burns was denied well by Cieran Slicker coming off his line as the former was quickest to the bouncing ball in the Barnet box, with the away side holding for half-time.
Grimsby had their long-awaited breakthrough in the 51st minute as full-back Jayden Sweeney overlapped on the right side of the box and snuck in his shot at the near post.
Kanu had a chance to instantly equalise, but Kanu was denied well by the outstretched foot of Grimsby goalkeeper Jackson Smith at close range, preserving a fourth-straight league clean sheet.
