Grimsby Town win it late on!

Grimsby Town win it late on!

Grimsby Town win their play-off semi-final late on!

It was a huge day for the Mariners as they faced Wrexham, a side that posed several threats against the Black and White Army. 

When these two sides met earlier in the season, Town claimed three points at Blundell Park thanks to a comfortable 3-1 victory – Goals from Taylor, Waterfall, and Wright overturned Wrexham’s opening strike just after the 20th minute. 

However, in the reverse fixture, a stubborn Wrexham team were able to defeat the travelling Mariners with a single goal. Ex-Town loanee, Olly Palmer’s effort proved just enough to seal victory. 

Paul Hurst named the exact team that started against Notts County on Monday, the only change came from the bench as Arjan Raikhy was introduced. 

Despite their impressive season, the Dragons failed to pick up a win in their last two games, a notion that would inspire the Mariners going into the fixture. 

Fox got the game underway for Grimsby. 

Wearing their bright blue strip, Town started with incredible promise, quick passes and slick feet evidenced the Mariners intention for the semi-final. 

John McAtee curled the ball into the Wrexham net after just three minutes of play. Unfortunately, the young striker was caught offside, and the goal was chalked off – McAtee’s early run did not detract from his exquisite finish! 

Against the run of play, Wrexham scored the opening goal from the penalty spot. Understandably, the Mariners were furious with the decision. 

Paul Mullin, the National League golden boot winner, blasted the ball into the roof of the net. 

Town refused to let the goal upset their brilliant entrance to the game and responded with an absolute rocket of a strike.  

McAtee had the ball in the Wrexham net for the second time, this time the goal stood! 

The forward displayed quality control and strength before he pulled the trigger with his right foot. His curling effort proved too strong for Dibble. 

Max Crocombe was called into action several times, each save better than the former. 

The fixture continued to entertain fans with end-to-end goal mouth action. Mullin thought he scored his second of the afternoon, but play was stopped for a foul in the six-yard box. 

The Welsh side enjoyed a spell of dangerous play, but Grimsby were able to slowly settle back into the game. McAtee looked particularly threatening whilst Crocombe kept his side level. 

The first half concluded 1-1. The neutral viewer would have been thoroughly entertained! 

Straight out of the gates, Grimsby found their second goal to propel themselves into the lead. 

After heavy pressure in the final third, Luke Waterfall was found at the back post to head home. 

The Mariners continued to retain possession and created numerous attacking chances with Sousa and McAtee in the thick of it. 

Against the run of play again, Wrexham scored two goals in quick succession – the second proved controversial. 

Tozer levelled the game up from the back post before Mullin netted the Dragons third. Upon alternative angled replays, Mullin appeared to use his hand, a visual that angered Town fans! 

Just after the 70th minute mark, McAtee and Taylor linked up. The latter’s headed effort caught Dibble off guard to make it 3-3. 

Set pieces proved problematic for both teams. Unforgivable defending resulted in two goals within minutes of each other.

An unmarked Dieservwe headed home for Town with one of his first touches of the ball. Meanwhile, Davies scored at the other end to make it 4-4.

The match remained 4-4- after the initial 90 minutes which meant extra time was needed again!

With minutes left to play in extra time, Luke Waterfall scored the winning goal. The Travelling Mariners sung with pure emotion.

After a nine goal thriller, Grimsby Town were victorious.

The Mariners are now one step away from promotion!

(Image: keets5/ Twitter)