Definite improvements have been made over the past few weeks but this result gave a reminder a gulf remains between the Blues and some in the Vanarama Conference.

Grimsby began the season as one of the promotion favourites and although results have not lived up to that billing, this comprehensive win demonstrated the Mariners strength.

Chester have the same resources as things stand and post-game manager Steve Burr revealed a sickness bug had hit his squad, leading to three enforced substitutions and making an already sizeable task much tougher.

Burr made one change from the dramatic 2-1 win over Wrexham on Monday night, rewarding Ibou Touray for an impressive contribution off the bench with a start.

Grimsby boss Paul Hurst dropped captain Craig Disley and promoted Rhys Oates, who scored the winner in a 1-0 success at Kidderminster Harriers, to the starting line-up.

Consecutive home wins contributed to the Blues heading to the east coast in confident mood and that was evident in a competitive start to the game.

Chester spread possession around the wide Blundell Park pitch and put some decent balls into the box, although the Mariners had the better opportunities.

Ross Hannah fashioned a good chance on 10 minutes, turning Kieran Charnock inside out but before firing straight at Jon Worsnop.

Aristote Nsiala connected with a Scott Neilson free kick but Worsnop grasped his header with ease and Michael Kay made an excellent tackle to prevent Oates getting clear.

Chester still seemed comfortable enough but fell behind on 18 minutes when Scott Brown sent over a corner and Shaun Pearson was allowed too much time and space to head down into the ground and up into the net.

Hobson should have equalised on 24 minutes when John Rooney found him unmarked with a floated cross but the forward got his header all wrong.

Sean McConville forced James McKeown into action from 25 yards but his strike never travelled too quick enough to trouble the keeper and another teasing Rooney cross evaded everyone before rolling past the post with Ben Heneghan closest to connecting.

Roberts had to be replaced on 37 minutes as Wayne Riley came on and the Mariners upped the ante approaching the break but didn't create too much and the lead remained 1-0.

Chester emerged for the second half knowing the next goal could be the telling one and the game slipped further away when the Mariners scored a second on 49 minutes.

Hannah dispossessed Kingsley James and surged into the box, faking a shot to create some space and then drilling a low shot into the bottom corner from 16 yards.

Worsnop prevented the dangerous Neilson adding a third within two minutes, saving with his legs after the winger beat the offside trap.

Grimsby had taken command and won a penalty on 57 minutes after the Blues failed to deal with a cross and Charnock brought down Jack Mackreth.

Hannah stepped up and smashed the ball low and down the middle but Worsnop made an excellent catch to keep his side in the contest.

Neilson did beat Worsnop a few minutes later but Charnock was on hand to head his clipped shot off the line as the hosts continued to press.

Burr brought on Jadan Hall and Danny Harrison on the hour mark and two chances followed, McKeown making a falling catch from a Rooney free kick before the keeper smashed a clearance into McConville but the rebound trickled wide.

Chester kept chasing the game but that allowed the Mariners to hit them on the counter with sub Lenell John-Lewis and the impressive Hannah both going close.

McKeown spread himself well to prevent Riley pulling one back from close range on 82 minutes and that was about as close as the Blues came.

Grimsby did get a third in time added on when Mackreth pulled the ball back to Nathan Arnold, who replaced Hannah on 84 minutes, and he slotted the ball home from 10 yards to put the gloss on a comfortable three points.

Chester FC: Worsnop, Heneghan, Kay (Harrison 61), Charnock. G Roberts (Riley 37), Mahon, James, Rooney, Touray, McConville, Hobson (Hall 60).

Subs: Iwelumo, C Roberts.

Booked: Kay.

Grimsby Town: McKeown, Parslow, Pearson, Nsiala, Magnay, Mackreth, Brown, Clay, Neilson (McLaughlin 78), Hannah (Arnold 84), Oates (John-Lewis 74).

Subs: Disley, Walker.

Goals: Pearson 18, Hannah 49, Arnold 90.

Attendance: 3,245.

Referee: Adrian Holmes (West Yorkshire).