The 2025/26 campaign will live long in the memory of Grimsby Town supporters. From unforgettable cup nights under the Blundell Park lights to dramatic late winners and a thrilling play-off journey, David Artell’s side gave supporters countless moments to savour.
As we reflect on a season full of progress, drama and belief, here are five moments that helped define the Mariners’ campaign.
1. The Night Manchester United Came To Town
Grimsby Town 2-2 Manchester United (Town won 12-11 on penalties) – Carabao Cup Second Round
There could only be one place to start.
On a famous August evening at Blundell Park, the Mariners produced one of the greatest results in the club’s 148-year history by knocking Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup.
Backed by a packed-out crowd, Town showed no fear against Premier League opposition and deservedly raced into a two-goal lead through Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren. Even when United fought back through Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire to force penalties, the Mariners refused to buckle.
After a marathon shootout that saw every player step up, Christy Pym’s heroics and Mbeumo’s miss sparked scenes that will never be forgotten. It was a night that captured national attention and reminded everyone exactly what Blundell Park can be on a special occasion.
2. Conquering Hillsborough
Sheffield Wednesday 0-1 Grimsby Town – Carabao Cup Third Round
If beating Manchester United was historic, following it up at Hillsborough showed the character of Artell’s side.
More than 5,000 Mariners supporters made the journey to South Yorkshire to create an unforgettable atmosphere as Town looked to continue their cup adventure. After standing toe-to-toe with the Championship side throughout the first half, the breakthrough came four minutes after the restart when Jaze Kabia’s header found the net.
What followed was a determined defensive display as the Mariners soaked up pressure and protected their lead. The final whistle confirmed Town’s place in the last 16 of the competition for the first time since 2001 and further strengthened the growing belief within the squad that they could compete with anyone.
3. McJannet’s Moment in Cambridge
Cambridge United 1-2 Grimsby Town
Every successful season needs a defining league moment and Cameron McJannet delivered exactly that on a cold Tuesday night in Cambridge.
With the play-off race reaching its climax, Town travelled to promotion-chasing Cambridge United knowing a positive result could transform their prospects. The Mariners led through Kieran Green before being pegged back, then survived a huge scare when Jackson Smith brilliantly saved Ben Knight’s penalty shortly after the hour.
As the game entered stoppage time, it looked as though both sides would settle for a point. Instead, McJannet had other ideas.
Deep into added time, the defender was in the right place at the right time to force home the winner and send the travelling supporters into delirium. The victory lifted Town into the play-off places with just two games remaining and proved a pivotal moment in the run-in.
4. Securing The Play-Offs in Style
Grimsby Town 4-0 Swindon Town
Five days after the dramatic win at Cambridge, the Mariners returned home with an opportunity to secure a top-seven finish.
The response was emphatic. In front of a sold-out Blundell Park and live television cameras, Town produced one of their most complete performances of the season.
Jaze Kabia opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Maldini Kacurri powered home a magnificent header. Kabia added another before half-time and completed a superb hat-trick shortly after the break to seal a memorable 4-0 victory.
The final whistle confirmed the Mariners’ place in the play-offs and prompted celebrations around Blundell Park as supporters showed their appreciation for a team that had kept their promotion dream alive.
5. The Play-Off Semi Final Fightback
Salford City 2-1 Grimsby Town (First Leg)
Salford City 2-2 Grimsby Town after 90 minutes, 4-3 after extra time on aggregate (Second Leg)
Ultimately, the season ended in heartbreak. But the courage and resilience shown across the two-legged semi-final against Salford City summed up the spirit of this team.
After falling 2-1 behind in the first leg despite Reece Staunton’s spectacular opener, Town travelled to Greater Manchester needing a response.
When Dan Udoh’s goal put Salford 3-1 ahead on aggregate, the task looked enormous. What followed was one of the most remarkable spells of the season.
Kieran Green’s header gave the Mariners hope before Jaze Kabia struck four minutes later to level the tie and spark wild celebrations among the 564 travelling supporters. For a brief period, momentum belonged entirely to Town as Wembley came into view.
Although Kallum Cesay’s extra-time winner eventually ended the dream, the character shown by Artell’s side throughout the tie embodied everything supporters had admired about the team all season.
A Season To Build On
The 2025/26 season delivered unforgettable cup nights, dramatic league victories and a play-off challenge that went right to the wire. While promotion ultimately proved just out of reach, the campaign demonstrated the progress being made both on and off the pitch.
From Manchester United under the lights to the roar that greeted McJannet’s winner at Cambridge, the memories created over the last nine months will live long in the minds of Mariners supporters, and with the foundations firmly in place, there is every reason to believe there are more special moments still to come.
UTM
