Grimsby bounce back up

GRIMSBY TOWN returned to the Football League at the first time of asking by beating Solihull Moors 2-1 after extra time in yesterday’s National League play-off final. The Mariners’ wins in previous rounds over Notts County and Wrexham both came during an additional half-hour and Paul Hurst’s side made it three in a row with substitute Jordan Maguire-drew scoring a 111th-minute winner. Kyle Hudlin’s header put Solihull ahead on the stroke of half-time but John McAtee forced an extra 30 minutes. Grimsby dug deep to seal a fairytale victory for boss Hurst. ‘It’s an incredible feeling, almost a little surreal,’ Hurst said. ‘To win three times in extra time is a fantastic achievement. The culmination is today but that’s a hell of a lot of hard work throughout the season. A special moment.’ Solihull finished 10 points above Grimsby in the regular season and Neal Ardley’s side started strong. Andy dallas’ effort was clawed away by Mariners goalkeeper Max Crocombe before Callum Howe headed wide. Grimsby came close before the break when Erico Sousa’s cross picked out Harry Clifton and the winger side-footed over the bar from five yards. Hudlin punished Clifton by scoring at the other end, the 6ft 9in striker heading in Joe Sbarra’s cross. Grimsby’s response came in the 69th minute. Andy Smith picked out McAtee who took one touch before finding the bottom corner. Solihull’s Alex Gudger then sent a header over the bar before McAtee poked Maguire-drew’s cross agonisingly wide. The difference in extra time was a long throw from Jordan Cropper. dallas headed towards his own goal and Maguiredrew prodded home.