Grimsby Town 1 : 3 Oxford United - Memorable week for Roberts

James Roberts celebrated signing a new contract by scoring the first two goals of his career as Oxford won 3-1 at Grimsby to advance into the second round of the FA Cup.

The 18-year-old put pen to paper on a new Oxford deal on Friday and 24 hours later grabbed two first-half goals before Danny Rose added a third after the break as the U's saw off non-league Grimsby at Blundell Park with Shaun Pearson grabbing a late consolation for the hosts.

Grimsby, who sit second in the Conference, started the brighter when powerful striker Lenell John-Lewis twisted and turned before rattling a fine effort off the foot of Ryan Clarke's post.

But after picking up the ball in the left-hand channel in the 35th minute, Roberts grabbed his first of the game when he cut in and drifted past two defenders before curling expertly past James McKeown.

After wasting chances to double their advantage, Michael Appleton's side ensured they would hold a 2-0 lead at half-time when Roberts tapped home from yards out after McKeown had parried Alfie Potter's cross at his feet following a counter-attack.

It only took the U's five minutes after the break to pull further ahead when Rose rifled home after a loose ball had fallen to him in the box for his first of the season.

And despite Pearson pulling a goal back for the hosts in the final 10 minutes, Oxford finished the game comfortably to seal safe passage.