Grimsby reached the fourth round of the Carabao Cup for the first time in almost 25 years after a 1-0 win over a troubled Sheffield Wednesday side full of teenagers.
David Artell’s Mariners had famously knocked out Manchester United in the previous round and 6,000 travelling fans at Hillsborough witnessed their team make more history, thanks to a single goal from Jaze Kabia four minutes after the break.
On what promised to be a silent night at Hillsborough with home fans refusing to attend in protest at owner Dejphon Chansiri, Grimsby supporters brought equal energy to that of their players on the pitch, singing and dancing their way through the full 90 minutes while their side charged to victory.
Sheffield Wednesday fans continued their protest against owner Dejphon Chansiri during the Carabao Cup third-round game with Grimsby
Wednesday started with nine of the fringe players who played against Leeds in the last round, including six teenagers, but they hardly got a sniff of the ball and Charles Vernam and Evan Khouri starred in midfield for the visitors.
Kabia’s decisive goal came just moments into the second half as the visitors arrived back onto the pitch desperate to capitalise on the chances they had created in the opening 45 minutes.
Grimsby Town forward Jaze Kabia (C) celebrates scoring the winner
A stunning free-kick from Vernam glided across the top of the net, unsuccessful but fruitful in earning his side a corner. The subsequent set-piece, fired in by Reece Staunton, was met Kabia who nodded it into the back of the net with ease.
Grimsby fans were in raptures from the moment the scoreline read 1-0, cheering on their side as they continued to fire chance after chance towards Ethan Horvath between the hosts’ sticks.
The Owls’ cup exit is yet another blow for the club, with troubles both on and off the pitch bubbling beyond control. Their only wins of the 2025/26 campaign have come in the Carabao Cup, with just local rivals Sheffield United below them in the Championship standings.
But celebrations are in order for Grimsby, who continue their superb cup run along with their fine League Two form after losing only one of their first eight matches.
More to follow.
