Grimsby ended their first League Two season under Michael Jolley with a routine 2-0 victory against mid-table Crewe.
Harry Davis - against his former club - and Blackburn Rovers loanee Joe Grayson were on target for the Mariners at Blundell Park.
In testing conditions, chances were at a premium during the opening stages.
However, after James McKeown reacted quickly to deny the unmarked Paul Green from a corner, the game began to open up.
Charlie Kirk struck over on the counter, while Charles Vernam and Reece Hall-Johnson both went close in quick succession at the other end.
Davis then put Grimsby ahead with a close-range finish against his former club, and the home side quickly doubled their lead when Grayson picked his spot from the edge of the area.
McKeown had to be at his best once again to deny substitute Jordan Bowery in the second half, with Tom Lowery promptly firing wide from range.
Vernam came closest to extending the lead further, but two proved to be enough to earn Grimsby their second straight home win.