Grimsby Gatecrash Walsall's Play-Off Party in Madcap Blundell Park Draw

Picture this: a chilly night at Blundell Park, where Walsall fancied their chances of gatecrashing the Sky Bet League Two play-offs. Instead, they left with just a point after a bonkers 2-2 draw against Grimsby Town. Ten-man Saddlers? Check. Keeper seeing red? Double check. It was the kind of chaos that has you spilling your pint mid-sip.

Set-Piece Start and Keeper's Nightmare

The first half was about as lively as a midweek pint in a quiet boozer – until Courtney Clarke whipped in a beauty of a corner. Priestley Farquharson rose like a salmon at the back post, nodding home in the 32nd minute to give Walsall the edge. Grimsby? They were offering nowt up top, looking like they'd left their shooting boots at home.

But football loves a twist, doesn't it? Deep into stoppage time, Walsall's stopper Myles Roberts decided to impersonate a WWE wrestler, lunging late at Andy Cook. Straight red card, ref's whistle barely out of his mouth. Blundell Park erupted – suddenly, the Mariners had a man advantage and all the momentum. Substitute keeper Sam Hornby thrown in at the deep end? Good luck, mate.

Mariners' Double Delight Turns the Tide

Grimsby didn't hang about. Just five minutes into the second half, Cook – the big lad who thrives on scraps – ghosted onto Jamie Walker's pinpoint cross and nodded past Hornby from six yards. Level at 1-1, and the home crowd were buzzing like they'd just won the lottery.

The Mariners smelled blood. In the 68th minute, Cook was at it again, prodding home his brace after another Walker assist – former Bradford mates linking up like old times. 2-0 to Grimsby, and Walsall's play-off dreams were wobbling like a dodgy table leg. You could almost hear the away fans muttering, "Here we go again."

Pressley's Late Salvage Job

Credit to Walsall, though – they didn't chuck in the towel. Just three minutes later, Aaron Pressley rose highest to bullet a header into the net, hauling the Saddlers back to 2-2. It was gritty, desperate stuff from the visitors, who suddenly remembered they had legs left despite the numerical disadvantage.

The final whistle brought relief for both sides. Walsall cling to ninth place, two points shy of the play-offs, while Grimsby sit 10th, a point further adrift. A draw that feels like two losses for the Saddlers, who missed a golden chance to climb the ladder.

What Does It All Mean, Lads?

For Walsall, it's another case of so close yet so far – that red card cost 'em dear, but kudos to Pressley for the rescue act. Grimsby, meanwhile, showed proper fightback spirit, with Cook and Walker pulling strings like a pub quiz dream team. League Two, eh? Where a quiet Tuesday night turns into a red-card rollercoaster.

Next up, both sides chase points in the marathon grind. Walsall will rue the what-ifs, but hey, a point's a point on the road. Grimsby fans? They'll take the chaos and the comeback with a cheeky grin. Stay tuned for more League Two lunacy – it's why we love it.