Impressive Grimsby denied in stalemate with Shrewsbury
Craig Clay came within inches of firing Grimsby into the FA Cup third round as League One Shrewsbury were held in a 0-0 stalemate.
The midfielder's late effort for non-League Grimsby, with the outside of his right foot on the edge of the box, flew agonisingly wide in the dying moments as a largely second-best Shrewsbury held on to book a replay back at the Greenhous Meadow.
The home fans were on their feet in anticipation of the ball nestling into the back of the net and it would have been what the National League hosts deserved after an impressive performance.
Grimsby raced out of the blocks and Jon-Paul Pittman forced a fine save by Jayson Leutwiler on 19 minutes.
And the hosts almost broke the deadlock again just shy of the half-hour mark. Pittman's through ball was smashed against the crossbar by strike partner Padraig Amond.
Paul Hurst's side continued to press after the break and they struck the woodwork again after 62 minutes when Conor Townsend's deep cross dropped onto the crossbar.
Scott Vernon should then have fired Shrewsbury into the lead moments later after racing clear - only for James McKeown to bravely deny him.
Grimsby created a host of fine chances late on but were forced to settle for a replay, with Championship side Cardiff the prize for progressing into the third round.
Source: PA
