The Mariners fought hard and deserved to head back to Blundell Park for a replay in ten days time.The visitors should have gone into half time in front but didn't create as many chances after the break, though  the Cobblers didn't really trouble the Mariners either. .

New boss Alan Buckley was forced into making several changes because of injuries and a suspension.

Gary Jones missed his final game of his three match suspension, with the Town boss was forced into starting with an inexperienced frontline of Danny North and Nick Hegarty.

Gary Harkins replaced the injured Ricky Ravenhill in midfield.

Town started the game strongly and had their first chance with just 4 minutes on the clock. North was put through on goal, rounded the keeper but he was forced wide and by the time he put the ball across the Northampton defenders had got back to cover.

Then minutes later, from a Newey Corner, North's header just cleared the crossbar.

After 5 minutes, after a lovely move down the Town right, Boshell laid the ball off to Newey who hit a fantastic goal-bound shot which was tipped around the post by Bunn.

On 11 minutes the Cobblers had their first real chance, when Jess' curling effort was just wide of Barnes' left hand post. There was another scare for the Mariners just before the break as Newey headed just wide of his own goal from a cross by Watt.

Half-Time: Northampton Town 0 Grimsby Town 0

It was a slightly different story after the break with the home side pushing for a place in round 2.

McGleish had a couple of decent chances for the Cobblers. He shot just wide on 47 minutes from twenty five yards, and fired an effort just over the bar.

Town made their first change on 72 minutes with Andy Taylor replacing Danny North up front.

A five minute spell almost brought the Cobblers a goal. Barnes made a tremendous save from Andy Kirk and got to his feet quickly to block a follow up.

McGleish had an effort from a tight angle cleared by Croft for a corner.

The resulting flag kick again saw the Cobblers go close, with Holt's header cleared off the line by Hegarty.

The Mariners broke away through Andy Taylor and Boshell had a chance to grab the glory but his effort was straight into the keeper's midriff.

Town can be proud of their efforts with seven players missing through injury and suspension.

The replay will be on Tuesday week.