The opening match of the Conference Premier season between Grimsby Town and Bristol Rovers has finished in a goalless draw this afternoon.

Ryan Brunt tried to put the visitors under pressure early on, beating a couple of defenders on his way into the Grimsby box, before unleashing a weak shot.

Stuart Sinclair and Andy Monkhouse also had a couple of half-chances for Rovers in the first half, but neither tested the goalkeeper.

Paddy McLaughlin had a chance for the visitors at the start of the second half, but a diving save from Steve Mildenhall kept the ball out.

Both sides pushed hard as they sought the opening goal of the tie, with Matty Taylor being denied by a save before Tom Parkes made a block on the line for the hosts.

Taylor hit the ball on the volley inside the final 10 minutes as the home side looked the more likely in the closing stages of the match, but his shot was straight at James McKeown.