The Grimsby chairman, Jason Stockwood, had dared supporters to dream as his club attempted to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the first time since 1939. But not even the most diehard of the more than 4,000 Grimbarians who made the 460-mile round trip to the south coast to see two penalties from Gavan Holohan seal a monumental upset against Southampton could have believed this fairytale story.
Accompanied by hundreds of Harry Haddocks – the inflatable mascot that has been present at every big game in the club’s history since they played the holders Wimbledon at this stage of the 1989 competition – the away supporters made it a party atmosphere throughout even after Duje Caleta-Car pulled a goal back midway through the second half.
