As the Mariners prepare for Friday evening’s Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg at Salford City, memories inevitably turn back to another play-off battle where Town faced adversity, responded under pressure and kept their promotion dream alive.

Ten years ago, Grimsby Town travelled to Braintree Town trailing 1-0 from the first leg of the National League Play-Off Semi-Final.

It was another difficult moment. Another setback. Another situation where the Mariners needed a response. And they delivered one.

After four consecutive seasons reaching the National League play-offs following relegation from the Football League in 2010, Town once again found themselves fighting to keep their season alive.

Braintree had stunned the Mariners at Blundell Park in the first leg, securing a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to Kenny Davis’ second-half penalty after Simeon Akinola was adjudged to have been fouled in the box.

Despite pressure from Paul Hurst’s side and several close chances for Padraig Amond, the visitors held firm to take an advantage into the return fixture at Cressing Road.

With more than 3,000 supporters packed inside Braintree’s ground for the second leg, Town knew only a victory would keep their promotion hopes alive.

The Mariners started positively, forcing the hosts back and creating several opportunities before eventually finding the breakthrough.

Padraig Amond calmly sent goalkeeper Tom King the wrong way from the penalty spot to level the tie and swing momentum back towards Town.

The game remained tense and finely balanced throughout normal time before Braintree were reduced to ten men after Mark Phillips received his second yellow card.

As extra-time wore on, the Mariners continued to push.

Then came the decisive moment.

With ten minutes remaining, Omar Bogle rose highest to head home from a free-kick and send the travelling Town supporters into celebration.

The comeback was complete.

Grimsby had overturned the first-leg deficit and booked their place at Wembley.

A week later, the Mariners defeated Forest Green Rovers 3-1 in the National League Promotion Final under the Wembley arch, ending the Club’s six-year stay outside the Football League and securing promotion back to League Two.

It was the fourth time Town had reached the play-offs during that period, but this time they found a way through.

Friday night presents a different challenge, against different opposition, in a different league and under different circumstances.

But the message remains the same.

This football club has been here before.

And the tie is far from over.

UTM