Grimsby Town 0 Rushden & Diamonds 0

Rushden eased their relegation worries with a hard-earned point at Grimsby.

But it might have been three as midfielder Neil McCafferty hit the post from a free-kick in added time.

That would have been grand larceny as Grimsby pummelled the Rushden goal for most of the second half without anything to show for it.

A flying header from midfielder Terry Fleming was blocked on the line and then a goalbound effort from Andy Parkinson was tipped around the post by goalkeeper Scott Shearer.

And then in a cameo performance, striker David Soames went close three times after replacing striker Martin Gritton ten minutes from time.

Terrell Forbes:Solid at the back!

Both sides had points to prove after disappointing Good Friday defeats. Grimsby had gone down 3-1 at Bury while Rushden had a tripped up 4-1 at Lincoln.

The first half was almost totally forgettable with Grimsby making most of the running but not seriously troubling Shearer until four minutes from the break when the keeper did well to block a fierce shot from on loan striker Matt Harrold.

At the other end Grimsby keeper Anthony Williams was virtually unemployed and when the visitors had a sight of the Grimsby goal Andrew Burgess carelessly blazed the ball high over the top.

Things could only get better after the break and although there was an improvement it was still turgid for the Bank Holiday crowd of 4,566.