Match ends, Grimsby Town 2, Gateshead 2.
GrimsbyGrimsby Town2GatesheadGateshead2
Paul Bignot's first Grimsby goal earned his side a draw in a topsy-turvy clash with fellow play-off-chasers Gateshead.
Mariners defender Clayton McDonald gave the hosts an early lead when he headed in from Scott Neilson's cross-shot.
Soon after the visitors were level through Colin Larkin's penalty, after Aswad Thomas tripped Marcus Maddison.
Maddison then struck when a free-kick fell to him on the edge of the area, but Bignot headed in sub Alex Rodman's deep cross for a deserved equaliser.
Grimsby had the majority of possession and chances at Blundell Park, with Rodman wasting a glorious chance with the score 2-1, scuffing an effort wide after being put through one-on-one by Neilson.
But Gateshead held on to maintain their position in the play-off places, while Grimsby move into the play-offs with games in hand over all but one of those above them.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Gateshead manager Gary Mills told BBC Newcastle:
"It was a tough game against Grimsby, who are a good side, but I thought we were excellent. We showed a lot of heart and desire and stuck together.
"We had to defend a lot late on and then they got the equaliser, but, make no mistake, going to Grimsby and getting a point is a massive result for us.
"Our overall performance today proved we are a team who wants to go and achieve something this season.
"You need to back draws up with wins and hopefully we can do that on Tuesday against Welling, which would push us up the table a little bit more."
Line-ups
Grimsby
- 13McKeown
- 3Thomas
- 15BignotBooked at 34mins
- 5PearsonBooked at 68mins
- 12McDonald
- 4KerrSubstituted forMcLaughlinat 83'minutes
- 8Disley
- 11Neilson
- 7ColbeckSubstituted forRodmanat 63'minutes
- 14John-Lewis
- 17HannahBooked at 45minsSubstituted forCookat 78'minutes
Substitutes
- 26McLaughlin
- 27Fyfield
- 9Cook
- 23Rodman
- 18Thanoj
Gateshead
- 1Bartlett
- 22Sirrell
- 5Curtis
- 16Baxter
- 6Clark
- 38O'Donnell
- 25MaddisonBooked at 38minsSubstituted forNobleat 90'minutes
- 8Turnbull
- 4ChandlerBooked at 85mins
- 7LarkinSubstituted forWalkerat 83'minutes
- 14Brown
Substitutes
- 2Magnay
- 17Walker
- 29Oster
- 35Noble
- 11Cummins
- Referee:
- Ross Joyce
- Attendance:
- 3,243
Match Stats
Home TeamGrimsbyAway TeamGateshead
- Possession
- Home53%
- Away47%
- Shots
- Home15
- Away5
- Shots on Target
- Home7
- Away3
- Corners
- Home0
- Away0
- Fouls
- Home17
- Away9
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Grimsby Town 2, Gateshead 2.
Post update
Attempt missed. Paul Bignot (Grimsby Town) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
Post update
Foul by Scott Neilson (Grimsby Town).
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James Brown (Gateshead) wins a free kick.
Substitution
Substitution, Gateshead. Ryan Noble replaces Marcus Maddison.
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Offside, Grimsby Town. Lenell John-Lewis tries a through ball, but Lenell John-Lewis is caught offside.
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Foul by Aswad Thomas (Grimsby Town).
Post update
JJ O'Donnell (Gateshead) wins a free kick.
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Corner, Gateshead.
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Foul by Aswad Thomas (Grimsby Town).
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Marcus Maddison (Gateshead) wins a free kick.
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Attempt missed. Lenell John-Lewis (Grimsby Town) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left from a direct free kick.
Booking
Jamie Chandler (Gateshead) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Post update
Foul by Jamie Chandler (Gateshead).
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Scott Neilson (Grimsby Town) wins a free kick.
Substitution
Substitution, Gateshead. Josh Walker replaces Colin Larkin.
Substitution
Substitution, Grimsby Town. Patrick McLaughlin replaces Scott Kerr.
Goal!
Goal! Grimsby Town 2, Gateshead 2. Paul Bignot (Grimsby Town) header from the right side of the six yard box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Alex Rodman with a cross.
Post update
Foul by Aswad Thomas (Grimsby Town).
