Grimsby Town v Fulham Division Two Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg - Wednesday, May 13 1998
TODAY we go back 15 years, to one of Town best seasons under their most successful manager – Alan Buckley.
Only three weeks earlier, the Mariners had made their first ever visit to Wembley, winning the Auto-Windscreens Shield, but this was their first taste of the play-offs.
They were now only 90 minutes away from a second and infinitely more important visit to the home of football.
Standing in their way were the once-mighty Fulham.
On the previous Saturday, Town had travelled to Craven Cottage for the first leg, and drawn 1-1.
And so, on a balmy Wednesday evening, 8,689 packed into Blundell Park for the finely-poised rematch.
As early as the fourth minute, fans' hearts were in their mouths.
Dave Smith, attempting to clear a cross at the far post, sent the ball past Aidan Davison in the Town goal.
However, both John McDermott and Peter Handyside both climbed to nod the ball off the line.
After that scare, Town shaded the first half, with Jack Lester, pictured, working hard up front.
Then came a moment that I'll never forget – Paul Peschisolodo went in two-footed on Handyside, after the ball had gone.
Referee Clive Wilkes went for his pocket and pulled out a red card.
The second half was even more nerve-wracking, as Town, despite their numerical advantage, remained too cautious for crowd's liking.
On 74 minutes, Buckley threw on Steve Livingstone for Tony Gallimore and it proved to be a masterstroke.
Seven minutes later, Wayne Burnett's through-ball was helped on by 'Livvo' to the unmarked Kevin Donovan.
With only the keeper to beat, he drilled his shot under the keeper and into the far corner to seal his 20th, and most important goal, of the season so far.
Fulham tried everything to find a way back into the game, but McDermott and Lever both made tremendous blocks and clearances as Town held firm.
When it came, Wilkes' final whistle sparked a mass celebration.
The players did a lap of honour and even Buckley was totally overwhelmed by the occasion.
Town had made it to Wembley, and just ten days later, they did the business again to seal promotion to Division One with victory over Northampton in the final.
Happy memories!
