Grimsby Town Vs Swindon Town

Matchday 51 was another venture to a distant club, with Grandad Steve joining us to add another ground to his list of the 92. Departing early at around 09:30, we anticipated a minimum 3-hour drive, factoring in potential traffic and restroom breaks along the way. Surprisingly, the journey went smoothly, and we arrived in Grimsby by 12:30. Unfortunately, I realized upon arrival that I had left my coat at home, but the weather remained tolerable until the final 20 minutes of the game, when I felt the chill. A lesson learned for future trips.

Parking near Tesco Express on Grimsby Road, we embarked on a brief 10-minute walk to the stadium. With Liam in need of a restroom, we stopped by a local McDonald’s before indulging in traditional fish and chips at “GR8 White Fish,” coincidentally alongside a coach of Swindon Town fans. We savored the Matchday Specials, priced at £7.20 each, featuring battered fish and chips, with options for peas or gravy. The generous portions impressed us, leaving Liam unable to finish his meal. Kudos to GR8 White Fish for their quality offerings.

Afterwards, we strolled towards the ground, purchasing a program and acquiring our customary matchday scarf from the club shop. Seeking directions to the Main Stand from a steward, we navigated around the stadium, albeit with some difficulty due to the lack of maps or clear directions.

Once inside, we had our bags inspected and were directed to the turnstiles with our digital tickets. Finding our seats in the front row (seats 74-76), we enjoyed an excellent view, albeit with some obstruction due to the large dugouts on the right-hand side. Despite this, the ample legroom was a pleasant surprise.

During halftime, I fetched Liam a drink of water from the external club shop cabin. The second half proved more eventful, with Grimsby scoring two goals in the final 15 minutes, securing a crucial 3 points and their League 2 status for the next season.

Grandad Steve chauffeured us back home, completing the return journey in another 3 hours. Looking ahead, we anticipate Matchday 52—a shorter trip to Cheltenham Town to watch their game against Peterborough United on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

5 Facts about Grimsby Town FC:

1. Founded in 1878, Grimsby Town FC is one of the oldest professional football clubs in England.
2. The team’s home ground, Blundell Park, has been their home since 1899, making it one of the oldest football grounds in the country still in use.
3. Grimsby Town’s nickname, “The Mariners,” reflects the town’s strong maritime heritage.
4. The club has a long-standing rivalry with nearby club Scunthorpe United, with matches between the two teams known as the Lincolnshire Derby.
5. Grimsby Town has enjoyed success in various competitions, including winning the Football League Trophy in 1998 and the old Division Two (now League One) in the 1970-71 season.