There are football matches that live long in the memory. Then there are football matches that become part of a club’s history forever.

On 5th June 2022, Grimsby Town returned to the Football League at the first attempt, overcoming Solihull Moors 2-1 after extra time in the Vanarama National League Promotion Final at the London Stadium.

Four years on, it remains one of the most remarkable days in the club’s modern history. A day built on resilience, belief and an unwavering refusal to give in. A day that capped one of the greatest play-off runs the National League has ever seen.

The Mariners arrived at the London Stadium carrying the hopes of more than 13,000 travelling supporters. Just a year earlier, the club had suffered the heartbreak of relegation from the Football League for the first time in a decade, and prior to that in almost a century. The challenge was clear: bounce back immediately.

What followed was a season of determination, hard work and togetherness under Paul Hurst. Yet even after securing a play-off place, Town’s route back to the EFL looked almost impossible. First came a dramatic eliminator at Notts County.

Trailing 1-0 deep into stoppage time, Grimsby somehow found a way back. Gavan Holohan’s 96th-minute equaliser forced extra time before Emmanuel Dieseruvwe struck a dramatic winner with penalties looming.

Three days later came an all-time classic at Wrexham. In front of a packed Racecourse Ground and a national television audience, the two sides produced one of the greatest matches the competition has ever seen. The game finished 4-4 after 90 minutes before Luke Waterfall’s extra-time header secured a remarkable 5-4 victory. Back-to-back away wins. Back-to-back extra-time triumphs. And suddenly, Grimsby Town were one game away from home.

Standing between the Mariners and promotion were Solihull Moors. The West Midlands side had finished ten points ahead of Town during the regular season and had won both league meetings between the clubs. But by this stage, statistics meant little. This Grimsby team had developed a habit of doing things the hard way.

Paul Hurst stuck with the side that had overcome Notts County and Wrexham. Max Crocombe started in goal behind Jordan Cropper, Andy Smith, Luke Waterfall and Danny Amos. Ben Fox, Gavan Holohan, Harry Clifton and Erico Sousa provided support for attacking duo Ryan Taylor and John McAtee.

The stage was set. More than 13,000 Mariners supporters turned the London Stadium into a sea of black and white. What followed was another test of character.

As they had in both previous play-off matches, Town found themselves behind. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Kyle Hudlin rose highest to head Solihull into the lead. For the third consecutive game, Grimsby were forced to respond to adversity. But this team had made a habit of doing exactly that.

The Mariners emerged after the break with renewed purpose and gradually began to take control. Then came the moment that reignited belief. On 70 minutes, substitute Jordan Maguire-Drew cleverly left Andy Smith’s through ball and John McAtee raced onto it before calmly slotting past Joe McDonnell. The Town end erupted. 1-1. Once again, Grimsby had dragged themselves back from the brink.

The scores remained level through the closing stages of normal time. For the third consecutive play-off match, Grimsby Town were heading into extra time. Few teams could have coped with the physical and mental demands of such a run, but this group seemed to grow stronger the longer the battle continued.

With penalties beginning to loom, one final moment was required, and, fittingly, it came from a familiar weapon. Jordan Cropper launched one of his trademark long throws into the Solihull penalty area. The ball was flicked on. Waiting at the far post was Jordan Maguire-Drew. The substitute reacted first and smashed the ball into the roof of the net. Pandemonium. The travelling Mariners faithful erupted. Players sprinted towards the corner flag. The dream was becoming reality.

The final whistle sparked scenes that will live forever in the memories of everyone fortunate enough to witness them. Players, staff and supporters celebrated together as Grimsby Town sealed an immediate return to the Football League. It was a victory built on resilience.

Three play-off matches. Three extra-time victories. Three comebacks from losing positions. An achievement that perfectly captured the character of Paul Hurst’s side. For supporters who had endured the pain of relegation twelve months earlier, it was a moment of redemption. For those inside the London Stadium, it was a day they will never forget.

Four years on, memories of that unforgettable afternoon remain as vivid as ever. The late goals at Notts County. The extraordinary drama at Wrexham. The Maguire-Drew winner beneath the London Stadium lights. Most of all, the sight of thousands of Grimsby Town supporters celebrating together as the club reclaimed its place in the Football League.

Some victories mean more than three points. Some seasons mean more than silverware. And some days become part of a club’s story forever.

5th June 2022 was one of those days. Four years on, we remember the day the Mariners came home.

UTM