Cod Almighty | Diary

FA Cup Quarter-Finalists Grimsby Town

17 March 2023

The last time GTFC played in an FA Cup quarter-final the world was so discombobulated it had to start a big war to sort things out. As long as that doesn't happen his time, there's no way to lose this one. It's that rarity in football – an angst-free celebration.

Do you remember when we drew Plymouth Argyle at home in the first round? They were top of the third division at the time, and within a few minutes they had scored a belter. I turned to my brother and said "I reckon we'll make the quarter-finals this year." Except I didn't, obviously. Because that would have been ridiculous. Yet here we are, despite a series of unhelpful draws against higher division opponents, with the eyes of the nation upon us and a tiny chance of making the last four.

The atmosphere has been helped by Brighton who so far have been admirable opponents, all helpful fans and gestures of goodwill. Of course they see it as a great chance to get in the semi-finals and perhaps even end up eventual winners. They've played great football all season by all accounts and no doubt they would be popular victors. They could make their own history here. Sadly, I don't think they will take us for granted or underestimate our determination. This is going to be a massive challenge for us.

The only slightly sour moment came when Warren Aspinall said that Brighton had "a breather" before their next premiership fixture. Being old enough to have watched Warren waddle onto a football pitch, I know the only way he could get some breathing space would be to stitch two normal-size shirts together and wear that, so I suppose he's an expert. But, be honest, if you were hanging out at the top of the Prem and you drew a fourth division team at home, would you not be thinking the same thing? Well, thinking it, not saying it. Because you, reader, have more class than that.

Two consecutive one-nil victories in the league have left us safer than Tyson Fury's manbag but with no real chance of making the play-offs. We can give this everything. This game is now our season. We can, as the modern managers say, leave everything on the pitch.

Doubtless some will use this as a chance to patronise us. Someone, somewhere, will say the FA Cup has been devalued because a team like Grimsby can reach the quarters. Fish will be mentioned. Media pundits will find new and exciting ways to be condescending to us. Whatever. We have a team who have sweated blood to get this far and, win or lose, this is all about pride. Pride in the club, pride in the town, pride in the fans and of course pride in the manager and the players. This club has made history, and whatever happens this Sunday afternoon on the south coast we can hold our black and white heads high.  

Well done, boys, we're proud of you. Every last one of you is a hero. Just one last battle. 

UTFM