‘We go down in history’: Grimsby boss Hurst hails his players after shock Cup win at Southampton

Paul Hurst praised their history makers after Grimsby reached the FA Cup quarter-final with a stunning 2-1 win over Premier League struggler Southampton.

Gavan Holohan converted two penalties at St Mary’s to take the League Two visitors to the quarter-final of the competition for the first time since World War II.

Duje Caleta-Car pulled back one for the top-flight bottom side, but Town held on to claim a memorable win to the delight of over 4,200 traveling fans, setting up a trip to Brighton in the next round.

The south coast surprise ensured that the Mariners became the first team to defeat five teams from higher divisions in a single FA Cup campaign.

Manager Hurst, who guided the club to promotion from the National League through the play-offs last year, revealed that there were some stunned faces in the dressing room.

Paul Hurst praised his history makers after Grimsby reached the FA Cup quarter-final

“They deserve to have maybe more celebrations than they will,” he said of his squad, which will travel to Carlisle on Saturday.

‘There are quite a few of the group who enjoyed that experience of winning promotion and getting back into the league.

‘They enjoyed it in the locker room. Looking around at some of her faces, they were in shock, probably very tired as well.

But there were some songs and some music. I am happy for them.

“It’s a memory for them, for the owners, for the fans and we go down in history for the way we got to the quarterfinals.”

Grimsby defeated League One clubs Plymouth, Cambridge and Burton and Championship side Luton en route to the fifth round.

The Mariners came to the south coast looking for their first FA Cup quarter-final since 1939 and got a big boost from an inexplicable Southampton defending both sides at half time.

After a lengthy VAR review, Lyanco conceded the first kick from the penalty spot after missing a header and handling a Josh Emmanuel cross before Caleta-Car slapped Danilo Orsi petulantly across the back inside the 18-yard box right after the reboot.

Hurst said Irish midfielder Holohan only became the designated penalty taker after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Leyton Orient after Anthony Glennon joined Mariners teammate John McAtee in 12 misses. yards this period.

When asked about the significance of the result, he continued: “I’m not ruling it out because, as the only one in terms of opposition, it’s probably the best.”

“But last season we obviously went up in an incredible sequence of games that will never be topped.” It’s definitely right up there.

VAR played a big part on the South Coast, and Hurst admitted that he had forgotten it would be in use.

Gavan Holohan scored a pair of penalties to send the Mariners into the next round

Duje Ćaleta-Car (right) struck back for the home team, but the Saints were unable to level the score.

After Lyanco’s offense was caught on review, Saints substitute Theo Walcott was denied a late equalizer due to a caught offside at Stockley Park.

Southampton boss Ruben Selles lamented the costly moments of insanity but refused to blame individuals as he turns his attention to the top-flight relegation fight.

“I am very disappointed with the performance and the result,” said the Spaniard.

“It’s hard when you concede those kinds of penalties. It wasn’t good enough on our part. Both penalties were very, very frustrating. We mustn’t let that happen.