Weston-super-Mare have already made history by reaching the FA Cup third round for the first time in their 139-year existence. Now, buoyed by this milestone, the Seagulls are eager to push further—and dream of securing a place in the fourth round.
Their recent success was powered by Louis Britton’s brace in the second round, helping Weston-super-Mare overcome Chelmsford City and earn a coveted trip to face Grimsby Town on Saturday.
Although the tie against League Two’s Grimsby Mariners might not be the glamorous matchup Weston fans had envisioned, it could well be the most winnable away draw for a National League South side in this stage of the competition.
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Grimsby, currently sitting 12th in League Two after consecutive league wins under David Artell, enter the game with momentum. Before those wins, the Mariners convincingly defeated Wealdstone 4-0 in the previous round. Famous for their shock victory over Manchester United in the EFL Cup via penalties, Grimsby will be alert to the threat posed by Weston-super-Mare as potential giant killers this weekend.
On the other side, Scott Rogers’ Weston-super-Mare squad has shown impressive form in the sixth tier, winning three of their last four matches, and currently standing second in the table. They hope to continue this positive run and create another giant-killing story.
However, the Seagulls will have to cope without midfielder George Birch, who has been recalled early by Exeter City. Birch joined Weston on loan in early November and made nine appearances, including four starts. His loan was due to end next week, but Exeter has brought him back ahead of their own FA Cup third-round fixture against Manchester City.
Rogers expressed gratitude for Exeter’s cooperation: “We thank Gary Caldwell, Marcus Flitcroft, and the Exeter staff for trusting us with George. He has been fantastic since joining us and is a player with a bright future. The whole Weston-super-Mare side really embraced him, and we’re proud to have played a part in his development. We wish him all the best as he returns to Exeter and hopes to break into their first team soon.”
With history already made, Weston-super-Mare will be determined to make even more this weekend as they face Grimsby in a match that could define their footballing journey.