“This is fantastic for the whole town, not just the football club”: Residents rejoice in Grimsby Town win

After an intense 90 minutes and nerve-racking penalty shootout, the Mariners were victorious and move on to face Sheffield Wednesday in the third round.

For residents, the morning after the night before feels just as good with many believing this win goes further than football alone.

Jim Hill has been supporting Grimsby Town for over 60 years and was thrilled to have seen his team beat a Premier League side. “The whole thing was just fantastic and I’m so glad it was on television for everyone to see.

“It’s also great to see a bit of positivity giving everyone in the town a lift.”

Others watching at home felt the same. Elaine Atkinson, Director of Grimsby in Bloom, cheered on the Mariners as the goals went in before ringing her son in Hampshire to celebrate after the penalty shootout.

“I loved how Artell stuck to his guns and played exactly how we have been doing in the league.

“Whether you’re into football or not, I just think it’s great for the town. Walking around town today, everyone is talking about it, the whole thing is unbelievable.

“They made the team proud, but more importantly, the town.”

However, some were lucky enough to be in Blundell Park for every kick of the ball. Marie Mawyer, of Birkett’s Butchers, has been supporting Grimsby for 50 years.

“It was just amazing inside the stadium. Admittedly, it was crazy, but a good crazy.

“It was like nothing I’ve ever known and comes very close to the one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in Blundell Park.”

She added: “When the first goal went in, it felt like we were in a dream. We couldn’t believe what was happening and all we wanted was a goal so the result was more than we ever expected.

“Watching the penalties was incredibly nerve racking though it has to be said. They just kept going, when we eventually won it was like we were living in a parallel universe.

“It’s amazing to see not just Grimsby, but the whole world talking about this.”

Those who couldn’t get in to Blundell Park packed into pubs and bars around the borough to support their home team.

Kris Wildsmith works at Racks in Grimsby town centre and was thrilled to see so many people come out to watch the match.

“We must have had around 300 people in the place and everyone was loving it. It has brought the town together and who knows how far they can go in the competition, I think we’ll definitely beat Sheffield Wednesday.

For younger fans, this was their first chance to see the Mariners take on a Premier League side, which was made even better by the result.

Payton Wade, 7, was woken up by dad James’ screaming when the two goals went in, but was thrilled nonetheless. He said: “I was really happy that they won, but I was surprised that we beat them.”

Older brother Theo Wilson added: “I’m not a massive football fan myself, but I know how good this is for the community. This has definitely put us on the map.”

For those who have been through the ups and the downs, like dad James, it was certainly a moment to remember. “It’s so refreshing to see how well the players and the managers are playing at the minute and it’s always nice to get one over on Manchester United.”

Also proudly displaying their Grimsby Town shirts were dad Stefan Melin and daughter Delilah Dalton, 4. He said: “I’ve only been in the town centre, but everyone is talking about last night and being so positive.

“To see how far we’ve come from a few years ago is unbelievable, we’re so much better.”

Also at Blundell Park was Councillor Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Visitor Economy. “It was absolutely incredible being in the ground for that game.

“This result was something we dreamt about. It was fantastic for the borough as well, a lot of Manchester United supporters will have never been here before.

“It brings new people here, paints a great picture of Cleethorpes and hopefully they will come back for a family holiday.”