Rieves Boocock scored twice as Rovers’ U18s came from two-nil down to earn a point against an in-form Grimsby Town U18s.

Paul Stancliffe named his final team of 2018 which was unchanged from the side which narrowly lost to Hartlepool United on December 1.

Grimsby were quick off the mark and bombarded Declan Ogley’s goal. First, a shot took a deflection into the arms of the ‘keeper before the Ogley was left to watch a second effort rattle his right post.

Grimsby eventually made their pressure count as their deep-lying midfielder broke through and smartly converted to give the Mariners the lead.

Rovers responded well. They were controlling possession but lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

Martijn Smith came close when he danced down the left-hand side, chesting the ball into the box before his effort bounce off the inside of the post and straight into the arms of the thankful Grimsby keeper.

A second chance went begging when Rovers lifted the ball over the Grimsby defence unleashing Myron Gibbons whose shot was just wide of the mark.

Shortly after half-time, Grimsby doubled their lead when a mistimed challenge from Cameron Baldock-Smith gave the visitors a chance from twelve yards. Grimsby went low to the right-hand side with their penalty sending Ogley in the opposite direction.

Ogley was quickly called into action again, this time Grimsby curled a free-kick from distance, but Rovers’ keeper was alert and smothered the effort.

Rovers then benefited from a free-kick at the other end of the pitch as Elliott Walker delivered the ball to the far post where Rieves Boocock was able to find the target and bring his side back into the game.

Defender Ben Blythe came close to securing a late equaliser but had to watch his shot sail wide of the goal.

Rovers did not give up hope and in the 93rd minute Boocock got his second as he turned in the box and delivered a good point for Stancliffe’s side.