Craig Denton’s men took their unbeaten home streak to nine this season, with Janni Lipka grabbing a second half equaliser to get back-to-back 1-1 draws in Sheffield.

The Countrymen started the game with just one change from the weekend, with the injured Danny South being replaced by Calum Ward in the front three. The matchday squad also featured Daniel Pudil and Ted Cribley on the bench.

And Hallam had a very positive start to the game, with James Cadman being involved twice early on, firstly picking up space on the edge before firing over, and producing a great through ball round the corner, which was just too much for Brodie Litchfield.

And Hallam fought valiantly early on to keep out the Grimsby Borough attack, with Hugo Warhurst making a great low save at his near post before the follow-up was blocked, and Jack Brownell producing a crucial block on the line from back post header.

But after 25 minutes, the away side took the lead. A great cross field ball found Reece York, and after a quick one-two with Dayle Southwell, York finished nicely into the bottom right corner.

Hallam continued to have chances in the first half, but none of them could pay off, meaning Denton and his side went into the break a goal down.

And after 66 minutes, Hallam got their deserved equaliser! Brownell’s cross caused all sorts of problems for the Grimsby defence, with Janni Lipka eventually prodding home to make it one-all.

And they could have been in the lead not long after when Charlie Staniland’s ball into the box from the byline nearly found substitute Shaun Tuton, who could not supply the finishing touch.

And there were chances for both sides to get a late winner, with a Grimsby Borough winger finding space in behind the defence, but Paulo Aguas did brilliantly to fend off the attacker. And at the other end, Calum Ward found himself through on goal, but his shot was brilliantly saved and out for a corner.

This point at home keeps the Countrymen in 14th, with 21st placed Newton Aycliffe being the hosts this weekend.

Attendance – 486

Photo Credits – Ian Manewell