Weston-super-Mare's fairy tale FA Cup run came to an end at Grimsby, with the National League South outfit falling just short of a historic win. The Seagull Army, comprising fans from Weston and other parts of Somerset, traveled 500 miles to Lincolnshire, bringing a sense of community and camaraderie that captivated the Grimsby crowd.
For manager Scott Rogers, the defeat was bittersweet, but he took pride in his team's spirited performance. Despite trailing 2-1 at halftime, Weston came out with renewed energy after a spirited halftime chat, leveling the score thanks to Luke Coulson's incredible free-kick. The match ended 3-2 in favor of Grimsby, with substitute Kieran Green scoring the winner.
Rogers praised his team for their display, saying they had shown "the spirit we're all about" β a testament to the club's amateur ethos and community-driven approach. Despite falling short, Weston has generated significant revenue from their FA Cup run, with estimates suggesting around Β£150,000 from ticket sales alone.
For Grimsby boss Dave Artell, the win marked another giant-killing in his side's FA Cup journey. Having previously dumped Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup and beaten Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup, Artell's men are starting to put the club on the map. The manager added that winning promotion from the National League South would be a major achievement for Grimsby, and with their town proudly supporting them, he believes his team can achieve anything.
The match highlighted the raw energy and excitement of the FA Cup, an often-maligned competition that continues to captivate football fans. With its unique blend of amateur clubs and big-name teams, the tournament remains one of the most unpredictable and thrilling in English football.
For manager Scott Rogers, the defeat was bittersweet, but he took pride in his team's spirited performance. Despite trailing 2-1 at halftime, Weston came out with renewed energy after a spirited halftime chat, leveling the score thanks to Luke Coulson's incredible free-kick. The match ended 3-2 in favor of Grimsby, with substitute Kieran Green scoring the winner.
Rogers praised his team for their display, saying they had shown "the spirit we're all about" β a testament to the club's amateur ethos and community-driven approach. Despite falling short, Weston has generated significant revenue from their FA Cup run, with estimates suggesting around Β£150,000 from ticket sales alone.
For Grimsby boss Dave Artell, the win marked another giant-killing in his side's FA Cup journey. Having previously dumped Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup and beaten Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup, Artell's men are starting to put the club on the map. The manager added that winning promotion from the National League South would be a major achievement for Grimsby, and with their town proudly supporting them, he believes his team can achieve anything.
The match highlighted the raw energy and excitement of the FA Cup, an often-maligned competition that continues to captivate football fans. With its unique blend of amateur clubs and big-name teams, the tournament remains one of the most unpredictable and thrilling in English football.