Grimsby Town headed to Sunderland in their final league game of the 2023-24 season. Having lost last week for only the second time in the league all season against Newcastle, they still needed a win to wrap up the league. Anything less than three points would see local rivals Scunthorpe United crowned champions!
Grimsby started the game on the front foot and should have immediately been ahead. Jack McSpadden was played through, the midfielder got around the goalkeeper, but was just beaten by the defender to the ball.
Moments later, Baldwin-McGee’s header was cleared off the line, and the rebound fell to Wootton, the striker's effort was also blocked by a defender, much to Town's anguish!
At the 20-minute mark, Wootton chased down a loose backward header to the Sunderland keeper. Wootton was brave and knocked the ball past the keeper before being brought down. A penalty was awarded, and Evison, with a 100% record from the spot, stepped up. On this occasion, the Sunderland keeper made up for his error and saved Evison’s penalty kick.
At this point, Town Shadow may have felt it wasn't going to be their day, Sunderland began to threaten and fired a few efforts just off the target of Lowe's goal.
Just when the game had evened out, Evison won a corner. The skipper delivered the ball into the box, and Smith rose highest to head the ball home and give Town that all-important lead. This goal settled the Mariners, and they enjoyed large periods of possession as the half progressed. Just before half time, Evison was wiped wide on the right-hand side. Again, Evison delivered a great ball into the box, the ball was initially cleared, but only to the penalty spot where McSpadden was waiting to fire the ball home on the half-volley.
A 2-0 lead was nothing less than Grimsby deserved at half time, but Sunderland had shown on a few occasions that they could cause Grimsby problems.
The next goal would be crucial, and it arrived 5 minutes into the second half. Evison picked the ball up and drove at the heart of the Sunderland defence before unleashing a powerful shot from 25 yards that rippled into the side of the net.
Grimsby knew they had one hand on the trophy and at this point were professional for the rest of the half, Sunderland had a half chance to make the last 15' interesting but Lowe was determined to keep a clean sheet, making several good saves.
Grimsby wrapped up the game and their season in style with a goal in injury time. Read was in the right place to fire home from inside the box, giving Grimsby a 4-0 lead and cementing their place at the top of the EFL CEFA U19 NECL1 table for the 2023/24 season.
As champions, Grimsby will head to Wembley stadium this Saturday to watch the EFL League 1 playoff final, where they will receive their league trophy, and the captain and manager will have a photo on the pitch and half time.
