FOREST GREEN: Lead at top of National League is cut to one-point despite impressive draw at in-form Grimsby Town

FOREST Green’s lead at the top of the National League table has been cut to  one- point after a dogged performance at in-form Grimsby Town.

Recalled striker Jon Parkin cancelled out Jon-Paul Pittman’s goal in a high-octance clash in Cleethorpes to hand Ady Pennock’s side an important point – only their second from a possible 15.

However, Rovers’ lead at the top has been  pegged back with Gloucestershire rivals Cheltenham Town winning 7-1 at lowly Halifax.

However, assistant manager Jamie Day was delighted to come away with a point and praised Parkin's sublime strike.

He said: "I am pleased we got something from the game. We had good spells and to come to Grimsby and get a point is pleasing.

"Jon (Parkin) took a fantastic touch to bring it down and it was a really good finish - we know how good Jon is."

Earlier, manager Pennock resisted the temptation to bring back the suspension free David Pipe and dropped leading scorer Aaron O’Connor to the bench.

Meanwhile, the Blundell Park outfit chose the same team that beat Southport 4-0 last weekend.

Paul Hurst’s side hit the ground running and nosed ahead on 31 minutes.

Former Bristol Rovers midfielder Craig Disley nodded on for Pittman to rifle home.

However, Rovers hit back three minutes later as Parkin found parity from distance.

After the break Forest Green captain Darren Jones watched his low drive well held by McKeown.

Moments later Jones saw his header cleared off the line by Danny East from an Elliott Frear corner as Rovers gained a point.

Forest Green: J Maxted; D Bennett, D Jones, A Racine, M Kelly; K Marsh-Brown (D Pipe 83), R Sinclair, D Carter, E Frear; J Parkin, K Guthrie.

Subs not used: C Clough, S Wedgbury, A O'Connor, D Eve.

Attendance: 5,034.

Away fans: 37.

Star Man: Jon Parkin.