Jim Gannon's plans were dealt a severe blow after Dominic Blizzard picked up a training ground injury before the Hatters left for Grimsby on Friday afternoon.

The former Watford midfielder felt his hamstring tighten and was immediately pulled out as a precaution. He hopes to be fit for next Saturday's game against Wrexham.

Jason Taylor came in for Blizzard to partner Gary Dicker in the central midfield

The only other change saw David Poole return in place of Adam Griffin, who dropped to the bench.

New goalkeeper Zac Jones, who joined the Hatters on loan from Blackburn yesterday, was also on the bench.

The Mariners included former County midfielder Danny Boshell in their starting eleven.

It was a rather drab first half with a flat atmosphere, as both teams looked low on confidence.That said, the Hatters thought they had scored on the twelfth minute when Matty McNeil headed into the back of the net but the Assistant Referee flagged for offside.

Former County player Danny Boshell had a good opportunity to score for Grimsby when he got on the end of a Ciaran Toner cross, but with time and space his left shot was poor.

At the other end Adam Proudlock had a good opportunity to put County ahead but the in-form striker wasted the opportunity.

Toner should have scored but for a wonderful block from James Smith to keep the game all square.

Jim Gannon tried to freshen things up six minutes before the end of the first half when Proudlock was sacrificed for Anthony Elding, having given the ball away on a number of occasions.

At the other end Isiah Rankin missed a golden opportunity , when he got in front of Gareth Owen but his chance was well off target.

County amazingly took the lead on the stroke of half time when McNeil slotted past Phil Barnes when he got on the end of Elding's flick to the delight of the County fans.

Second Half

Grimsby were on level terms six minutes after the break when Paul Bolland headed into the top corner following a Tom Newey cross from the left flank.

Fenton thought he had scored when Conrad Logan left his goal exposed, but the centre back headed wide despite an empty net.

Gary Dicker then made a terrible mistake that nearly allowed Grimsby a second.  The Irishman was caught in possession by Paul Bolland who fed Isiah Rankin who missed his chance. Dicker was replaced shortly afterwards by Keith Briggs.

County started to gain some momentum in the final 20. McNeil headed on for Elding, but the popular number nine's shot was deflected  wide.

Anthony Pikington then found Elding in space, but the striker scuffed his shot and his dismay was plain to see.

The Mariners nearly got a winner when Logan dropped a cross near the edge of his box. Rankin shot but Ashley Williams cleared the ball off the line to deny the home side all three points.