Grimsby Town beat Solihull in the National League play-off final!

Grimsby Town beat Solihull in the National League play-off final!

Grimsby Town have beaten Solihull Moors in the National League play-off final.

Grimsby Town were 90 minutes away from promotion following two incredible comeback victories. 

The Mariners beat both Notts County and Wrexham during their play-off journey. Now, Town faced Solihull Moors in their biggest game of the season! 

Paul Hurst named the exact team that started against Wrexham which has since been labelled a “National League play-off classic” 

The Town gaffer stated his roster was “ready for action” during press interviews midweek, adding that the final should be a “very good game” 

The Moors got the game underway. 

The Mariners endured a rocky start after conceding the first corner of the final as Cropper intercepted the ball in a dangerous area. The resulting delivery was put deep inside the Town box but nothing materialised. 

Solihull continued to pose several goal threats for the Mariners as they were forced to deal with two quick set pieces.  

Cropper conceded a soft free kick on the edge of the box, but Fox was first to react and headed the cross out for a corner – the second delivery evidenced the aerial threat that the Mariners would have to defend throughout the game as Howe towered over the back line but could only head wide. 

Grimsby were able to retain possession for a considerable amount of time having finally found their confidence. 

The Mariners had a huge penalty claim after Cropper was carelessly brought down, but the referee waved the appeals away – despite the Premier League venue, VAR was not in operation! 

Max Crocombe pulled off a heroic save to keep out a deflected Andrew Dallas effort just before the 30th minute.  

Grimsby began to dominate possession during the latter stages of the first 45 after two incredible opportunities played out in front of a rocking London Stadium audience. 

Sousa and McAtee linked up just outside the box, the former executed a delicious delivery which found local lad Harry Clifton who could not connect with the ball.  

Shortly after, Sousa was able to test McDonnell with a powerful strike after he danced past his man. The keeper dealt with the effort well to keep it 0-0. 

Despite Towns impressive aggressive display, it was Solihull Moors who drew first blood. 

Kyle Hudlin headed the ball past Crocombe thanks to a beautifully timed cross from Sbarra.

The first half concluded with the Mariners trailing 1-0.

Straight out of the gates, Grimsby Town looked like a completely different side. Efforts from Clifton and McAtee had fans on their feet, despite both strikes fizzing wide.

Town continued to apply heavy pressure in the final third which soon paid off!

John McAtee scored his 5th goal in eight games which erupted the London Stadium with Grimsby celebrations.

Smith intercepted a loose ball from Solihull before he sent the young striker through on goal. McAtee pulled the trigger with his right foot to level up the game.

McAtee was inches away from bagging the winner as the clock ticked down. Maguire-Drew curled a low cross into the box that reached the 22-year-old, but his stretching effort bobbled wide of the mark.

Extra time was needed for the THIRD game in a row for the Mariners after the game concluded 1-1 during the initial 90 minutes of play.

“The comeback kings have turned it all around” Jordan Maguire-Drew was first to react following a long-throw into the Moors’ box!

The substitute managed to meet the ball after Cropper’s deadly throw from distance – the winger could not miss! 2-1 Grimsby.

The play-off final ended in victory for the Mariners!

Grimsby Town will now play League Two football next season.