Grimsby leave it late to snatch FA Cup draw against Slough

Posted Monday, November 06, 2023 by PA

Last season’s FA Cup quarter-finalists Grimsby narrowly avoided the same humiliation they inflicted on others as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Slough in front of a stadium record crowd of 2,205 at Arbour Park.

Trailing to a thunderous 28th-minute free-kick from Slough player-manager Scott Davies, the League Two side finally drew level with 15 minutes remaining when captain Danny Rose slid home a low cross from Michee Efete.

Up until that point it seemed like the visitors, under the temporary stewardship of Shaun Pearson after sacking manager Paul Hurst eight days ago, might suffer a first-round exit.

Last season Grimsby became the first side in FA Cup history to beat five teams from a higher division in a single campaign.

This time National League South side Slough could count themselves unfortunate after an energetic and dominant first-half display.

A firm header from George Alexander forced a flying tip over from Grimsby goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright after 20 minutes.

Eight minutes later Davies struck a free-kick with curl and pace, aided by a strong wind, to beat Cartwright.

They might have made it 2-0 as half-time approached, but Alexander’s header from a Tyrese Dyce cross thudded against a post and away to safety.

Passive and ineffective for an hour, the visitors finally roused themselves after Jamie Andrews curled a 64th-minute free-kick on to the top of the Slough bar.

The pressure from the EFL side finally told with Rose’s equaliser, to the relief of his side’s 500 travelling supporters.