Pools Reserves came out on top after a thrilling encounter with Grimsby Town at Billingham Town tonight.

Ian Butterworth's men got off to a slow start and found themselves two goals down inside fifteen minutes to the lively Mariners.

However, that wasn't the end of the action as Pools roared back in to the game when a scramble inside the six yard area fell loose and although Joel Porter couldn't connect cleanly, Michael Rae was there to toe-poke the ball into the net.

It was soon all-square as Rae doubled his tally when he got on the end of a Matty Robson cross to head home at the far post.

Town started the second half better and went back in front 3-2 as an entertaining game continued to swing from end to end at Billingham.

But again Pools came back on level terms when Martin Young played the ball square to Porter on the edge of the box who took a touch to steady himself before unleashing an unstoppable shot in to the top corner.

The match could have gone either way after that but it was Pools who grabbed the decisive goal fifteen minutes from time.

Michael Rae escaped down the right side and drove in to the box before cutting the ball back intelligently for Robson who slotted home with his right foot.

Full Time: Pools 4 Grimsby Town 3