Grimsby Town’s youth team were held to a 2-2 draw by Rotherham United in an entertaining contest at Cheapside on Saturday morning.

The young Mariners made a bright start and took the lead early in the first half. A well-delivered corner from Hatton caused problems in the Rotherham penalty area and Graham reacted quickest to finish from close range to give Town the advantage.

Rotherham responded well and came close to levelling shortly afterwards when an effort from inside the box crashed against the crossbar. The visitors continued to apply pressure and eventually found an equaliser before the break, heading home from close range to send the sides in level at 1-1 at half-time.

Town began the second half positively and regained the lead when Midwinter rose highest to meet a delivery and guide his header into the corner.

However, the visitors hit back once again, finishing from close range to bring the scores level at 2-2.

Grimsby created a number of good chances as the game opened up but were unable to find a decisive third goal, meaning the points were shared at Cheapside.

The young Mariners will now turn their attention to their next fixture, which sees them travel to Bradford City.

Starting XI: Hayden Rogers, Kian Hawley, Kris Catchpole (46′ Edwards), Fortune Onoh, Charlie Elliott, Alex Graham, Carlo Midwinter (80′ Horsman), Mamudu Jalloh, Elliot Smith, Charlie Hatton, Lennon Peterson (65′ Booth)

Subs: Edwards, Hall, Horsman, Booth, Manyika

UTM