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

By Layth Yousif

29th Apr 2023 | Local Sport

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)