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Gateshead held Grimsby to a draw in their Conference Premier play-off semi-final first-leg tie.

Josh Walker put Colin Larkin through to score as the Heed took an early lead.

Craig Disley headed in Scott Kerr's pass to level and the home side went close with efforts from Ross Hannah, Alex Rodman and Lenell John-Lewis.

The visitors continued to defend resolutely to make sure it is all square going into Sunday's second leg at the International Stadium.

Gateshead have entered the play-offs as the form team, having won eight games in a run that now sees them unbeaten in 13 matches.

And they were ahead after seven minutes when Larkin coolly finished across James McKeown

But the Mariners, with just one win in five games, showed the most adventure for the rest of the contest as Rodman saw his shot deflected over, before Disley headed in the equaliser.

Gateshead keeper Adam Bartlett was kept busy in the second half, saving well from Rodman and John-Lewis and then denying Scott Neilson at the death.