Grimsby manager Alan Buckley was happy to put a smile back on the faces of the fans after his side sealed a return to Wembley. The Mariners held Morecambe to a goalless draw in the second leg of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area final to go through 1-0 on aggregate and now meet League Two rivals MK Dons. Morecambe were the better side on the night and only a brilliant save from goalkeeper Phil Barnes denied them a late goal.
Buckley said: "They asked a lot of questions. It was a difficult game for us, but our lads did what they have done for three or four months. They dug in, defended well and Barnes had practically nothing to do, as had their keeper. "All the players work hard for the club and that's just what I want to see. We came away from Morecambe with a 1-0 lead and knew it was going to be hard. They have some talented players. The object of the exercise was to let the town and these terrific players of mine have a day out at Wembley. They all deserve it, particularly the chairman. who puts all the hours God sends into the club."
More than 7,000 fans crammed into Blundell Park and many raced on to the pitch to celebrate the final whistle as they booked a Wembley date for the first time in 10 years. Then Town lifted the Auto Windscreens Shields trophy following a 2-1 victory after extra-time over Bournemouth thanks to a golden goal from Wayne Burnett. Four weeks later they returned to the twin towers to secure promotion to the Championship via a 1-0 victory over Northampton in the League One play-off final.
MK Dons assistant boss Ray Mathias admitted the whole club are thrilled to be heading to Wembley. Paul Ince's side booked their place after edging runaway League One leaders Swansea on penalties after the tie finished 1-1 after two legs in the Southern Area final. Jemal Johnson's solitary strike in the first leg at the Liberty Stadium handed the advantage to the Dons before Jason Scotland netted the only goal from the spot at stadium:mk to force penalties. Drewe Broughton netted the deciding penalty for the Dons with, ironically, Scotland the only player to miss.
"We had been down-playing getting to Wembley but I can assure you now we have got there everyone is very excited," said Mathias. "Everyone is buzzing and the mood is very good, the lads deserve it - they have been absolutely magnificent. Our priority this season has been promotion but I am confident we can continue our run into Wembley."
The Football League have confirmed both sides will wear their home kit for the March 30 showpiece to ensure there will be no clash of colours. However, for the superstitious Mariners out there, Town have been allocated the east side of the stadium - on both occasions in 1998 they were housed in the west of Wembley.
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