Grimsby Town seal dramatic promotion with yet another extra-time winner
It is a play-off run that will go down in history
Grimsby Town players celebrate their promotion after a nail biting 2-1 win over Solihull Moors in the play-off final. | Photo: Grimsby Town FC via Instagram
Grimsby Town have won promotion back to the English Football League at the first time of asking after a dramatic extra-time victory in the National League play-off final on Sunday.
The Mariners came into the game against Solihull Moors off the back of two famous extra-time victories in previous rounds, first over Notts County and then over Wrexham in the semi-final – a game which proved to be one of the most spectacular in recent memory, with the Mariners running out 5-4 winners.
These two incredible victories set up a date with destiny in the National League play-off final against Solihull Moors, held at the home of Premier League side West Ham United; the London Stadium.
Kyle Hudlin gave Solihull the lead on the stroke of half time, but if there’s one thing we have learned about Grimsby Town in this play-off run, it’s that they thrive when being pegged back.
John McAtee, often the go-to man for the Mariners, levelled the score in the 69th minute, setting up a third extra-time period in a row for Grimsby.
It was to be Grimsby’s day yet again, however, as Jordan Maguire-Drew’s 111th minute strike proved enough to secure the win and promotion back to League Two just 12 months after they were relegated from the EFL.
Faith placed in manager Paul Hurst, who was in charge when the Mariners went down last season, well and truly paid off as he guided the North East Lincolnshire side to an incredible promotion that will be remembered for years to come.
Three games in just under two weeks, nine goals scored, 360 minutes played. It all culminated in one massive celebration for Grimsby, who will now get ready for League Two next season.
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A 41-year-old man has been charged with robbery after an incident at a shop in Lincoln.
Dominic Norris, of no fixed address, was arrested in connection with the crime after police were called to Oasis Newsagents on Ripon Street at around 12.20pm on Tuesday, 5 July.
The arrest came after officers were quickly deployed to the area and took swift action to investigate.
He appeared Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was remanded to Lincoln Crown Court, with no fixed date for his next appearance.
Conservative Lincoln MP Karl McCartney has broken his silence on the issue of his embattled party leader, thanking the Prime Minister upon his resignation announcement.
As reported, PM Boris Johnson is expected to admit defeat in a national statement later, agreeing to step down as Tory leader following more than 50 ministerial resignations.
He will, however, remain as Prime Minister until the results of a leadership contest in the autumn.
Three Lincolnshire MPs joined those resigning from ministerial positions in protest to Johnson’s actions and judgement on a number of issues – culminating in his handling of sexual assault allegations against former Deputy Chief Whip Chris Pincher.
Karl McCartney, who also sits on the government’s 1922 Committee, had so far refused to comment on the events in his party this week.
Upon the news of the PM’s white flag this morning, McCartney issued a statement.
While he did not join some of his colleagues’ condemnations of the PM’s judgement or errors, he said the loss of confidence from the majority of MPs meant it was time to resign. He continued by praising Johnson for his work on Brexit and the pandemic:
“It has become clear to the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson MP, that he no longer has the confidence of a growing number of his colleagues in the Conservative Parliamentary Party. Therefore, the time has come for the Prime Minister to take the decision to resign and allow the Conservative Party the opportunity to select and elect a new leader.
“I, and many of my constituents, and Parliamentary colleagues, have a lot to be grateful for that the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has achieved and undertaken as the Leader of our Country. His unique brand will be missed by those of us who admired his willingness to deliver Brexit and the way he tackled the pandemic and the war in Eastern Europe.”