Grimsby boss Hurst says 'miracle' after Mariners' night of glory

2023-03-02 10:21

Grimsby boss Hurst says 'miracle' after Mariners' night of glory


Four-tier minnows Grimsby Town, famous for their fishing industry , made a splash in the FA Cup by knocking out Premier League side Southampton on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 84 years.


As 4,000 fans made the trek from the Humber Estuary to the Solent, many brandishing inflatable haddock, Grimsby overshadowed their humble status with a deserved victory.

Gavan Holohan 's double penalty at half-time gave Grimsby a 2-1 win in the biggest night in Grimsby's history as they paid off in the quarter-finals In-game away to top-flight Brighton and Hove Albion - a clash destined to be known as Seagulls vs Haddock.

Manager Paul Hurst described it as a " miracle " as his side became the fourth or sixth side to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup since its introduction in 1958-59 Team.

" I'm in a bit of shock. Just happy for the players. What an effort. We've kept the discipline. Look at what that means for the support, " Hurst said as the visiting fans celebrated loudly.

" We showed up and hoped for a miracle, it was unbelievable to be in the quarter-finals. It was a fantastic day and we've gone down in the history books. It's a very special day. "

Grimsby boss Hurst says 'miracle' after Mariners' night of glory

Another low point in a miserable season

Grimsby's heart was in his mouth as Duj Caleta Carr gave Southampton a lifeline before Theo Walcott appeared to equalize with 10 minutes remaining , only to because of his efforts VAR judged offside first.

Grimsby's win means they are the first side in the competition's history to knock out five different teams from the top division in one season.

" I know there are some who think we can get a result, but maybe I think they're crazy, " Hurst said on the club's Twitter account.

" But when we got up to two, more people started believing. "

It was yet another low point in a dismal season for Southampton, bottom of the Premier League club.