The noon kick-off seemed to affect both sides and there were no chances in the opening ten minutes.
The first opportunity fell to former Grimsby striker Jamie Forrester whose cross-shot was cleared over the bar by Town defender Tom Newey.
Lincoln defender Nat Brown was booked for bringing Newey down in the 17th minute, but the referee waved away the penalty appeals of the Grimsby players, ruling the foul was on the edge of the box.
David Mulligan's 20-yard free-kick hit the Lincoln wall, but Grimsby defender Justin Whittle stayed forward from the resulting corner and stuck out a foot to prod the ball past Lincoln keeper Alan Marriott.
Lincoln had another escape on 32 minutes when a Nick Fenton header was cleared off the line by winger Louis Dodds.
Grimsby were made to pay when Forrester drew Lincoln level six minutes later with a brilliant right-foot shot which curled into the top corner.
Lincoln went looking for the lead after half-time, but they were put on the back foot once again when former Barnsley and Crewe defender Adie Moses crudely brought down Grimsby striker Isaiah Rankin as he weaved into the box.
Marriott guessed the right way but former Lincoln midfielder Ciaran Toner kept his cool to slot the ball into the left-hand corner.
Lincoln went looking for a second equaliser but it proved not to be their day.
Brown thought he had equalised for Lincoln with a late header but it was ruled out by the referee for pushing.
Grimsby keeper Phil Barnes made a great fingertip save to keep a header from Lincoln substitute Mark Stallard out.
Forrester then missed an even easier chance when he was left unmarked six yards out from the Grimsby goal but somehow blazed the ball over.