By McAtee and Waterfall named in Vanarama’s Team of the Season!
John McAtee and Luke Waterfall have been named in Vanarama’s Team of the Season squad.
After an incredible season for the Mariners, which resulted in promotion back to League Two, two GTFC stars have been named in the Team of the Season for the 2021/2022 campaign.
Luke Waterfall joined John McAtee in the star-studded line-up following their integral presence within the Town roster this season.
Waterfall bagged himself Grimsby Town’s player of the year right before the play-off journey commenced, and now can celebrate his position in the National League’s Team of the Season, alongside fan-favourite, “Magic McAtee”
Throughout the season, both players gave their all, with John McAtee netting a wealth of crucial game changing/winning goals, Waterfall nullified opposing goal threat and even scored some brilliantly taken efforts himself!
The Black and White Army went on an unbeaten streak straight out of the gates, a run that lasted 7 games. During this run, McAtee scored an important brace at home against Barnet, a game that ended in a 4-3 victory for the Mariners.
The 22-year-old striker continued to amaze in front of goal, a narrative that continued throughout the season and into the play-offs.
Meanwhile, Waterall also played his part in the final third whilst still conducting his defensive duties. The defender ran rampant during an empathic 6-0 thrashing against Dover in October, stole three points at Meadow Lane with a last-minute goal in a 2-1 comeback victory, and sent the Mariners to the play-off final with a tantalising brace in Wales.
Their journey was not always been plain sailing this season! McAtee was rendered out of action after he picked up a nasty injury away at Kings Lynn. Ten minutes before the striker was forced off, his teasing effort from distance thumped the bar – his short exit from football was a huge blow for the club. Fortunately, his teammates still provided the goods whilst he recovered!
Luke Waterfall had a tough two weeks, scoring two own goals in two matches, and seeing red against Maidenhead at home. Town had dominated the Magpies at Blundell Park, that was until a spell of play since coined “two minutes from hell” shocked the home crowd. However, the 31-year-old owned his mistakes and came back determined to perform.
Both players were vital during Town’s play-off journey, a breath-taking run from start to finish!
Grimsby beat a stubborn Notts County side 2-1 in extra time to earn their place in the semi-finals. The Black and White Army replicated their 2-1 comeback victory at Meadow Lane earlier in the season, this time Holohan and Dieseruvwe were on the scoresheet.
McAtee and Waterfall stunned 1,200 travelling Mariners at Wales, the former scored a goal of immense quality after trailing 1-0. Luke Waterfall, the semi-final hero, netted a brace which included the winning goal just before a penalty shootout would have decided Grimsby’s fate.
Then in the final, McAtee brought his shooting boots to level his side which took the game into extra time for the third game in a row. Jordan Maguire-Drew was first to react after pandemonium in the Solihull Moors box, caused by Cropper’s long throw-in.
Although McAtee and Waterfall landed themselves in the Team of the season, it was a team effort throughout the duration of the campaign, a notion shared by Paul Hurst and players alike!
What a season! Thank you for the wild ride, Mariners!
