Grimsby Town beaten despite brave FA cup battle
The Mariners went down 5-0 at Premier League Brighton
Last updated 19th Mar 2023
Grimsby Town's fairytale FA cup run has come to an end.
The travelled to Premier League Brighton aiming to become the first ever team from outside the top 3 divisions to make the semi final.
More than 4 and a half thousand fans made their way to the south coast to see if they could pull of a miracle and upset the form book.
There was something of a carnival atmosphere as they made their way to the Amex stadium.
The Harry Haddocks were waved with gusto
As kick off approached fans were in good voice.
Many fans were waving their Harry Haddocks with gusto whilst others were sporting painted faces.
As kick off approached there was plenty of noise from Town fans all backing their side.
However the mood of optimism didn't last long.
Early goal stuns Mariners
That's because after just 6 minutes Brighton took the lead through Deniz Undaz.
That's was a huge blow to the Mariners' hopes.
The premier league side kept coming going close on several occasions.
Grimsby did have the odd attack and during one of them the Brighton handled close to the edge of the area.
Or was it outside?
A VAR review took place and the verdict was yes it was inside.
HALF TIME SCORE: Brighton 1 Grimsby Town 0
Into the second period and there was more of a sense of urgency for the Mariners.
But on 51 minutes there was a second for Brighton.
That made things very difficult.
But the Mariners didn't give up.
A third, fourth and fifth ensured it's the Premier League side who would progress.
The Mariners never gave up but it just wasn't their day sadly.
A great day out but not the result Mariners fans were hoping for.
At the end of the game there was still a great reception from Mariners fans despite defeat as they cheered on their heroes.
FINAL SCORE: Brighton 5 Grimsby Town 0
Let's not forget it's been a great run to get there as we look back on how they got there.
In round one it could have hardly been more difficult.
The Mariners had a home tie against the side who were top of League one at the time - Plymouth Argyle.
The optimists will have thought maybe there was an outside chance of an upset but nobody expected what happened that day.
It was a great performance to even get that far
Town ran out 5-1 winners and stunned the team going well a full division above them.
That was to be the theme of their run.
Round 2 saw them take on Cambridge.
Again they were a league one side - although not doing as well as Plymouth.
Even so an away tie is never easy but Grimsby snatched a 2-1 victory.
Then it was into the third round when the Championship and Premier league team enter the competition.
Luton would be a tougher prospect
The Mariners may have been a little disappointed to have drawn Burton.
But it was a chance to progress even if their opponents were once again in the league above.
And Town managed a one nil victory.
Round 4 and it was getting very interesting.
Luton away proven to be a tough prospect.
The championship side had been going well.
Grimsby stunned Southampton
This time they drew 2-2 which at this stage of the competition meant a replay at Blundell Park.
It was expected to be tight so fans were delighted when the Mariners won 3 nil.
Finally in round 5 it was Premier League opposition.
Yes Southampton were struggling a bit but it was an away tie against a club 3 divisions above them.
Few gave them a chance.
However two penalties converted by Gavan Holohan set wild scenes amongst supporters as Grimsby won 2-1.
So at excellent FA cup adventure ends for the Mariners - who knows what will happen next season.