Grimsby Town’s youth team exited the PDL Cup despite earning a 2-2 draw against group winners Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
The Mariners travelled to Bolton knowing that victory was required to secure progression to the next stage, but their hopes were dealt an early blow when the hosts headed home from close range inside the opening five minutes.
Town responded positively, however, and were back on level terms after 10 minutes when Ted Sharp fired emphatically into the net.
Despite the encouraging response, the Mariners found themselves behind again on the half-hour mark as Bolton converted another headed effort to restore their advantage and make it 2-1 at the break.
The second half proved an open contest, with Town pushing forward in search of the victory they needed to keep their cup hopes alive.
Their persistence was rewarded with 20 minutes remaining when Noah Hutton produced a neat finish, flicking home Curtis Manyika’s through ball to bring the scores level at 2-2.
Both sides continued to look for a decisive goal, but Town were unable to find a winner as the contest finished level.
The result sees the Mariners bow out of the PDL Cup, with Bolton progressing as group winners.
Town: Rhys Hall, Will Currie, Tyler Pratt, Kristian Catchpole, James Binks, Josh Edwards, Darius Neagu, Noah Hutton, Harvey Booth, Curtis Manyika, Ted Sharp.
Substitutes: Joe Roberts, Henry Chisholm, Fortune Jack, Max Horsman, Riley Chalk, Sam Bolder.
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