Stafford Rangers 3-3 Grimsby: non-League side lose on penalties after FA Cup thriller

Non-League Stafford Rangers came within minutes of one of the FA Cup shocks of the season before Grimsby Town survived a 3-3 thriller and won 3-2 on penalties in the first round at the Stan Robinson Stadium.

Stafford, who play in the Northern Premier League Division One West – five divisions below Grimsby – were 2-0 up at half-time and led again in extra time, but the League Two side hit back each time before winning the shootout.

How it happened

The hosts made a dream start when Darrhyl Mason scored after three minutes from Jack Birch’s pass, and Birch doubled the lead two minutes before half-time. Grimsby had 65% of the ball and 29 shots, and finally broke through with two goals in two minutes: Harvey Rodgers on 74 and Maldini Kacurri on 76.

Read more: Buatsi v Hutchinson 2 result: Willy Hutchinson beats Croydon’s Joshua Buatsi to win WBC world title

Mason put Stafford back in front in the first minute of extra time, only for substitute Sonny Finch to set up Géza Dávid Turi for the equaliser just before the break in extra time. In the shootout, Grimsby kept their nerve to win 3-2.

So close to history

Stafford have beaten Football League opposition only once in the FA Cup since 1975 – a first-round replay win over Lincoln City in 1992. They reached this stage by knocking out Hereford and Gateshead. Grimsby go into the hat for the second round.

More FA Cup first-round results and the second-round draw on Energy Radio.