Stevenage FC are promoted to League One after Steve Evans side beat Grimsby at jubilant Broadhall Way

By Layth Yousif 29th Apr 2023

Stevenage Football Club have been promoted to League One after Steve Evans side beat Grimsby at jubilant Broadhall Way on Saturday afternoon.

There were jubilant scenes at a sold out Lamex Stadium as Evans Boro side beat their visitors from Cleethorpes to earn promotion to League One.

After a season containing its fair share of twists and turns Evans side deservedly made it back to the third tier for they first time in nearly a decade.

After a cagey opening 45 minutes In front of a sellout crowd of 6,533, Jamie Reid's 57th minute header broke the deadlock to put Boro 1-0 ahead, prompting wild celebrations among the home faithful, wildly excited about the prospect of a first season in the third tier since 2014.

Promotion was sealed ten minutes later when Luther James Wildin's first goal of the season, with a neat finish from the edge of the box beat Grimsby keeper Max Crocombe.

Earlier, Stevenage thought they had the perfect start when Reid headed in from Carl Piergianni's knock-down in the second minute, but an assistant referee's flag cut their celebrations short.

However, Reid and Wildin's second half goals were enough to steer Boro home - prompting unbridled joy at the final whistle when thousands of Stevenage fans invaded the pitch in good natured celebration.

A memorable day for Evans and his team as they sealed the promotion their hard-fought efforts throughout a long season so rightly deserved. Success underlined by statistics that show that Boro have won more home points - 53 - than anyone else in the division, with Evans' side also the highest home scorers in the division, with 40.

No wonder a delighted Evans said after the match: "I'm delighted for my team, and staff and everyone associated with Stevenage Football Club including our fantastic fans."

Match facts:

Stevenage: Lo-Tutala, Clark, Reeves, Piergianni, Sweeney, Roberts (Taylor 87), Smith (Forster-Caskey 46), Gilbey, Bostwick (James-Wildin 14), Reid, Rose.

Subs (not used): Pryzbek, Horgan, Tomkinson, Evans.

Goals: Reid 57, James-Wildin 67

Grimsby Town: Crocombe, Efete, Glennon (Amos 46), Green, Waterfall, Holohan, Lloyd (Khan 62), Clifton, A.Smith (Orsi 62), Taylor, Maher.

Subs (not used): Emmanuel, Hunt, O'Neill, Khouri.

Booked: Holohan 58

Referee: Will Finnie (Luton)

Attendance: 6,533 (including 678 from Grimsby)