Rose is a thorn in the side for Bees
GRIMSBY took another step towards ensuring their Football League status for next season after they fought back to claim a draw against fellow strugglers Barnet.
The Mariners were rewarded for their enterprising start as Danny Collins arrived first to stab home a Luke Summerfield corner after only six minutes.
Barnet’s first-half display was disjointed and their chances were limited to sporadic longball plays and set-pieces as Grimsby dominated the opening exchanges, with Craig Ross parrying a fierce Summerfield drive on 39 minutes.
The away side’s best chances came on the stroke of half-time but Ryan Watson squandered two free-kicks from the edge of the area.
Another wild shot from Watson, which sailed over and out of the stand itself, summed up the visitors’ disappointing opening 45 minutes.
However, Barnet were transformed after half-time and drew level through substitute Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro, who scored against his old club a few minutes after coming on.
Curtis Weston then gave Barnet the lead with a left-footed drive at the near post, which took a wicked deflection to wrong-foot James McKeown.
Just minutes later, however, Grimsby hit back. A scintillating burst down the right from Harry Clifton saw him beat three defenders before crossing for Simeon Jackson, who was fouled in the area.
Mitch Rose then converted his second penalty in as many games to rescue a valuable point for the home side, who retain their five-point lead above Barnet and the relegation zone.
Mariners manager Michael Jolley expressed his mixed emotions after the game.
“We’re disappointed not to win the game. I think the boys showed good character to come back into it and earn a draw,” he said.
“The second half disappointed me. We didn’t find the right balance with the ball.
“We’re naturally anxious, feeling that we were close to our target at that stage.”
Meanwhile, Barnet boss Martin Allen remains adamant his side can still beat the drop.
He said: “There are three games to play. We’ve still got nine points to play for. This is not the end game.
“We knew there were going to be some setbacks. We’re just looking forward to the next one, which is what we have done all the way through.”