Keith Hill's Tranmere Rovers had to settle for a point in League Two this evening as a valiant Grimsby Town side fought well in their quest to remain in the division. 

Mariners captain Lenell John-Lewis was presented with the best opportunity of the game 20 minutes from time but his shot was straight at Tranmere keeper Scott Davies.

The draw leaves Paul Hurst's side eight points from safety in League Two with just 12 games left to play.

As for Rovers, they remain fourth in the division, three points behind third place Forest Green Rovers and four points a-drift of current league leaders Cheltenham Town.

  • Story of the match

It was a nervy start to the initial proceedings, with both sides having lots to play for at opposite ends of the League Two table.

Julien Lamy was shown an early card for a late mistimed challenge on Rovers defender Peter Clarke, as his tenacity down the left channel caused early issues.

Minutes later, Lamy was involved again, as a free-kick from the hosts was met by experienced forward James Hanson who nodded down into the midfielders path but he could only scuff his effort wide.

On fifteen minutes, Tranmere began to mount some pressure with the ball falling to Corey Blackett-Taylor who's effort fell to the feet of David Nugent who in-turn shot wide too.

Nugent again should of done better just three minutes later, when a superb free kick was whipped in by Corey Blackett-Taylor but his header was straight at Town keeper James McKeown.

Jay Spearing began to dictate the game in the middle of park half way through the first half, as a wonderful switch of play out to Kaiyne Woolery found a yard of space but was closed down smartly by Rollin Menayese.

It was Rovers again who came forward minutes before the interval, as both Blackett-Taylor and Liam Ridehalgh caused problems out wide but failed to pick out a teammate. 

With the tie scoreless at the break, the game began to open up in the second 45, with Tranmere once again aiming to break through Grimsby 's resolute defending.

Town midfielder Lamy again caused issues with his energy and urgency as he found good space down the left channel to beat his man before terrific covering from Ridehalgh nicked in to tidy up for the Whites.

The best chance for Tranmere in the second half so came on the hour mark when George Ray headed over the bar from a Liam Feeney free-kick after Woolery was fouled.

But just eight minutes later, the Mariners should and could of collected all three points as terrific work from Ira Jackson Jr allowed the winger to cut inside before laying into the path of John Lewis, who fired his effort into the hands of Rovers keeper' Scott Davies.

Peter Clarke had a late chance for the away side but the points were shared in an even contest in Lincolnshire.

  • Man of the match: Scott Davies

Rovers experienced shot-stopper denied John Lewis at a crucial interval of the game and kept his side in the tie at 0-0. The 34-year-old did well when called upon and saved the blushes for Keith Hill's side late on.