GRIMSBY Town's pre-season preparations continued this evening with a 1-0 home defeat to League Two Mansfield.
Paddy McLauglin had perhaps the Mariners' best two chances of the first half - testing Stags keeper Sascha Studer with a fine volley before heading against the post.
However, it was the visitors who took the lead when James McKeown parried Ollie Palmer's drive in the 43rd minute, only for Matt Rhead to tap home the rebound.
After the break, subsitutes Lenell John-Lewis and Ross Hannah both came within inches of giving Town a deserved equaliser.
But the only real moment for the home supporters to cheer was the arrival of former favourite Liam Hearn, off the bench.
Carl Magnay and Craig Disley went close late on and, although the Stags held on for their victory, it was a far more organised and encouraging performance from the Mariners.
See tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph for a full match report, action pictures and reaction.
TOWN: McKeown, Bignot, Magnay, Doig, Thomas, Mackreth (Arnold 69), Clay (Disley 46), Brown, McLaughlin (Neilson 71), Pittman (John-Lewis 46), Ironside (Hannah 46). Not used: Pearson, Bastock, Humble, Walker, Winfarrah, Nsiala.
