David Artell’s first game as Grimsby head coach ended in a 1-1 League Two draw with MK Dons.
Rekeil Pyke gave the Mariners a deserved lead before Jack Payne’s second-half equaliser ensured the visitors drew for the third-consecutive game.
Artell was confirmed as Paul Hurst’s replacement the day before the trip to Milton Keynes and his side made the brighter start.
They found the breakthrough when Danny Rose’s low cross was converted by Pyke.
Things nearly got better for Grimsby when Rose’s strike deflected narrowly wide, before goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray saved two attempts by Alex Hunt.
Arthur Gnahoua hit the post in the second half, but the home side equalised just after the hour.
A slip gave Alex Gilbey space to cross and Payne’s first-time shot found the back of the net.
Both sides created and spurned chances late on, with Grimsby’s Callum Ainley miscuing when through on goal before Dons’ Mo Eisa fired wide when well-placed in the final minute of stoppage-time.
