Alex Reid hits late winner as Wealdstone stun Grimsby

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2024 by PA

Non-league Wealdstone shocked League Two Grimsby by winning 1-0 at Blundell Park to progress to the second round of the FA Cup.

Alex Reid’s 90th-minute strike earned the National League strugglers a first-round upset.

Wealdstone defender Jack Cook denied Danny Rose the opener in the second minute with a sliding clearance off the line as the former knocked the bouncing ball over the onrushing Sam Howes.

The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute when Samuel Ashford went in strong on Evan Khouri. Justin Obikwu stepped up to take the spot-kick but missed, clipping the outside of Howes’ left post.

Howes made a fine double save in the 28th minute, tipping Rose’s rebound on to the bar after he had saved George McEachran’s initial shot.

The visitors went close in the 66th minute, with Grimsby allowing a low cross from the left wing to roll to Ashford in the centre of the box, but his goal-bound effort was blocked.

Wealdstone rose in belief as the game progressed and, after a defensive miscommunication, Reid bundled in the ball to send the underdogs through to the second round.