By Incredible comeback sends Grimsby into the semi-finals!
An incredible comeback at Meadow Lane sends Grimsby Town into the Play-off Semi-Finals.
Grimsby Town faced Notts County for the third time this season with both sides claiming victory against one another.
Earlier in the campaign the Magpies travelled to Blundell Park and took three points back home with them thanks to a Ruben Rodrigues goal in stoppage time.
Then, in the reverse fixture, the Mariners came back from behind to steal a victory at Meadow Lane, the venue for tonight’s clash.
The Black and White Army wore their bright blue third kit as they looked to progress into the play-off semi-finals!
Prior to kick-off, the Mariners were pictured in a team huddle, a sight that radiated teamwork, passion, and determination.
Town got the game underway.
Grimsby started with pride and promise, backed by an army of travelling fans. The first corner went Towns way, Sousa almost found Taylor waiting in the box, but the ball was intercepted.
The Mariners continued to apply heavy pressure in the final third as Sousa and Holohan tried from distance, although nothing materialised.
Notts County insisted on playing from the back which only encouraged Towns ruthless pressure.
Sousa almost bagged the opener following a delicate ball from Danny Amos, the former witnessed his headed effort fly agonisingly wide.
An inform Rodrigues almost broke the deadlock for the hosts. The Portuguese forward was unable to keep his header from rising.
Just before the first half concluded, the Mariners strung several quick passes together which carved open the Notts defence. Harry Clifton threaded the ball towards Taylor, but his effort failed to test Slocombe in goal.
The first 45 ended all square – both teams had chances to punish the other, but the play in the final third lacked clinical edge.
Rodrigues got the second half underway for the Magpies.
Sousa gifted Notts County a free kick in a dangerous area early on, the delivery forced Max Crocombe into action to retain the 0-0 score line.
Grimsby soon began to take charge of the play-off eliminator after an array of efforts bombarded the Notts goal. The hosts were lucky not to have conceded.
It was not long before Ryan Taylor had the ball in the back of the net following pandemonium in the penalty area. However, the celebrations were short lived as play was brought back for a goal kick.
Despite Grimsby’s magnificent spell of play, Rodrigues fired the hosts in front from the spot after Croppers’ hand ball.
The forward slotted the ball into the back of the net and sent Crocombe the wrong way.
In the dying minutes of the game, 1-0 down, the Mariners found the equaliser in the 96th minute.
Gavan Holohan was first to react following a scramble in the Notts box. The travelling Town fans were in pure elation as the referee blew the whistle to send the match into extra time.
The Mariners won the tie in incredible style in the second half of extra time!
It was Andy Smith who bagged the winning goal with minutes left to play, before a penalty shootout would have decided Towns fate.
Grimsby Town celebrated another 2-1 comeback victory – they will now advance into the Play-off Semi-finals.
