11 Mar 2008

Phil Barnes will be rewarded for his goalkeeping heroics against Morecambe, which helped propel his side to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final against MK Dons.

He will receive a commemorative award at the Freshney Place Shopping Centre from Martin Burns, who was picked at random by Johnstone’s as part of their online man-of-the-match competition.

Thousands of Town fans entered Johnstone’s interactive poll following the area finals and Grimsby’s number one received the most votes.

Martin, of Caspian Crescent, Scartho Top, will present Phil with his prize while the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy is in town, where there will be an opportunity for fans to have their photo taken lifting the trophy.

Fans will also meet first team members along with Mighty Mariner at the shopping centre.

As an extra bonus, Johnstone’s are offering visitors to the trophy tour a 20% discount voucher that can be redeemed at their local Johnstone's Leyland Decorating Centre until June 30 2008.

Martin said: “I already have my ticket for Wembley, and this is the perfect opportunity for me to wish one of my favourite players all the best.

“Cup fever has gripped Grimsby since we beat Morecambe, and Phil was instrumental in our success, so it will be wonderful to present him with his man-of-the-match prize.”

Teresa Hardwick, sponsorship manager for Johnstone's said: “We invited Grimsby fans onto our website to vote for their man-of-the-match for the area finals, and Phil came out on top.

“We then picked an entry at random to present Phil with the prize, and Martin Burns’ name was picked out. It is great that such a huge fan will be on hand to do the honours.”

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game