WATERFALL MAKES UP FOR EARLY OWN GOAL

GRIMSBY came back from two goals down to snatch a point when skipper Luke Waterfall levelled in the 89th minute in a pulsating match at The Hive.

The Bees had deservedly surged ahead with goals from the prolific Adam Marriott and a stunning headed own goal by Waterfall following some dazzling wing play on the right by Rob Hall.

Only when the Mariners were facing defeat did they shake off their lethargy and begin to look worthy of their play-off position.

With the visitors kicking towards their fans, centre back Andy Smith slotted home from a long throw from Jordan Cropper in the 81st minute to bring them back into the game.

Following good work down the left by the impressive substitute Ben Fox Waterfall scored from close range to deny the Bees with a late blow; when it looked as if the Bees might just hang on

Barnet head coach Dean Brennan was positive when he said: “It was a great game, very entertaining, but I would have absolutely snapped your hand off if you’d offered me a point before the match against such a good side.

“We were well worth our lead in the first half and managed to pinch one early in the second.

“I’m so proud of our players, they all gave so much for the cause, I enjoyed our performance today.”

Marriott gave the home side a lead with half-time looming when he reacted with typical alertness to stab the ball home from a Ryan De Havilland freekick.

Early in the second half when Waterfall produced a diving header that gave his keeper Max Crocombe no chance a shock result began to look feasible.

Grimsby first goal had a hint of controversy about it when Smith held back Marriott who was advancing on goal, received only a yellow card and moments later his strike would give the visitors a lifeline. Brennan fumed: “That was a crazy decision.

“That was a massive turning point in the game. Marriott is one on one with their keeper, he’s in the middle of the pitch. It should have been a red card!”

In a dramatic twist in time added on Ephron Mason-Clark nearly won it for the Bees when he hit the side-netting after his mazy run had cut open the visitors’ rearguard.

Grimsby boss Paul Hurst expressed mixed emotions: “It was a good comeback, but I am not exactly jumping for joy at the moment, I feel it is an opportunity missed.

We’d spoken about starting the game on the front foot and we did almost the complete opposite. In the first half we got what we deserved.

“I will give the players praise, but not heaps of praise when it should have been three points. I want better.”