Weston-super-Mare face Grimsby Town in historic FA Cup Third Round tie
The Seagulls travel to Cleethorpes as they continue their remarkable cup run
Weston-super-Mare are making club history this weekend as they compete in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round for the first time, facing League Two side Grimsby Town at Blundell Park on 10th January. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:45pm.
Under the leadership of Scott Rogers, The Seagulls have impressed throughout the competition, progressing through the qualifying rounds and securing significant wins in earlier stages. Their journey began at Taunton Town’s Wordsworth Drive in mid-September, where they sealed victory after a replay. The team continued their strong form with a 2-0 win against Poole Town and a narrow 1-0 victory over Needham Market.
In the First Round Proper, Weston triumphed with a thrilling 2-1 extra-time win against Aldershot Town, followed by a stunning 2-0 victory over Chelmsford City thanks to Louis Britton's brace. Britton, who has found the net 19 times this season, has scored five goals in the FA Cup alone, playing a key role in the club’s successful run.
Grimsby Town's cup record and current form
Grimsby Town entered the competition in the First Round Proper, securing wins against Ebbsfleet United and Wealdstone, both at their home ground, Blundell Park. They come into the Third Round in mixed form, sitting mid-table in League Two but boasting a memorable League Cup victory earlier this season against Manchester United.
The club has a rich history in the FA Cup, having reached the latter stages several times, including the quarter-finals in the 2022/23 season. Their most recent action was a 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town on New Year’s Day, with Jaze Kabia scoring a last-minute winner.
Weston-super-Mare's recent form
Weston have been performing well in National League South, winning their last two league matches to reach second place in the table. Last Saturday, The Seagulls secured an impressive 4-1 victory against Farnborough, with Emlyn Lewis scoring and Luke Coulson delivering a hat-trick. Coulson, last season’s top scorer, has also contributed in earlier FA Cup rounds.
The Farnborough match also marked the Weston debut for midfielder Luke Spokes, who has Grimsby connections, having played for The Mariners between 2020 and 2022 during Ian Holloway's tenure as manager.
A rare meeting between the clubs
Saturday's game will only be the second time Weston and Grimsby have faced off. Their last encounter was nearly a decade ago in an FA Trophy tie, where The Mariners won 3-1 at Blundell Park. This time, hundreds of Weston fans are expected to travel to Cleethorpes, creating an electrifying atmosphere for the historic occasion.
If the match is level after 90 minutes, it will proceed to extra-time, and if necessary, penalties to determine who progresses further.
Fans who can’t make it to Cleethorpes can watch the game live at Weston’s Optima Clubhouse, streamed via Discovery+ and TNT Sports 5. Food and drinks will be available, including £16.80 pitchers of draught beverages throughout the day.