Salford City 2-2 Grimsby Town: EFL League Two Playoff Semi-FInal Match Report & Player Ratings

Salford City 2-2 (4-3) Grimsby Town: Match Report & Player Ratings

Late Extra Time Drama Sees Salford Into FInal

Salford City prevailed 4-3 on aggregate over Grimsby Town in the EFL League Two Playoff Semi-Final second leg with a 117th minute winner. Earning the chance to potentially reach the third tier for the first time in club history.

The first half played out like one with a lot on the line, as Salford, intent on keeping hold of their 1-2 lead won from the first leg in Grimsby, looked to keep things strong at the back and Grimsby having little to no answer.

The first period saw just three shots taken, with two for Grimsby which both went off target. Whilst Salford had the sole shot on target of the first half, which was their only effort.

However, Salford's crucial second goal in the tie came just seven minutes into the second period, as striker Daniel Udoh was in the right place at the right time as a corner was headed on towards him at the back post, and the Nigerian made no mistake with a first time volley into the bottom corner.

Salford supporters could have been forgiven then for believing their side's place at Wembley was all but decided with their side two goals to the good with twenty minutes to go.

However, Grimsby threw a spanner in the works with a corner of their own on 74 minutes, midfielder Kieran Brown heading home from close range to half the deficit and give his side new hope of keeping their dream alive.

Grimsby are LEVEL on aggregate! 😳

What a turnaround! pic.twitter.com/63sYg06qqv

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 15, 2026

And just four minutes later, that dream was realised as Irish striker Jaze Kabia scored his 17th goal of the season to stun the Peninsula Stadium with a tap in too finish off a fine move from Grimsby.

That incredible quick turnaround forced extra-time, as former Manchester United players Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Steve Bruce watched on. With Grimsby having the momentum.

However, after a low-key opening first period of extra time, the roof would come off the Peninsula stadium four minutes from a potential penalty shootout.

After 116 minutes played, a loose ball fell into the path of Salford striker Kallum Casay, who showed ice-call composure in front of goal to finish past the Grimsby goalkeper. Sending Salford supporters wild and breaking Grimsby hearts.

SALFORD ARE HEADING TO WEMBLEY!! 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/P8SZgrLPkK

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 15, 2026

It wasn't long before the referee's whistle blew to confirm Salford's place in the playoff final, where they will meet Notts County at Wembley Stadium.

Player Ratings

Salford City Ratings

• Young: 6

• Mnoga: 6

• Oluwo: 8

• Cooper: 6

• Garbutt: 6

• Graydon: 6

• Buther: 6

• Austerfield: 7

• N'Mai: 6

• Cesay: 7

• Udoh: 7

Grimsby Town Ratings

• Smith: 6

• Staunton: 7

• McJannet: 6

• Kacurri: 6

• Rodgers: 7

• Turi: 6

• Vernam: 7

• Walker: 6

• Green: 8

• Burns: 6

• Cook: 6

Player Of The Match: Adebola Oluwo

Games of this magnitude require the defence to be on the top of theird game, and Salford centre-back Adebola Oluwo did just that on his team's way to the final.

The defender claimed an assist for the opening goal, and at the back made a huge 13 clearences throughout the game as he played the entirely of the 120 minutes. Being crucial in Salford's victory.

Bad Day At The Office: Cameron McJannett

Whilst Salford's centre-back had a performance to remember, Grimsby's Cameron McJannett will be feeling the lowest in the Grimsby Town ranks.

The centre-back was actually having a strong performance for much of the game, having the most touches, completing 73% of his 64 passes and making 17 defensive contributions.

However, his performance, and overall Grimsby's season will be defined by an error he made with four minutes to go, as a misplaced pass saw Salford's Kallum Cesay pounce in the mistake, run through on goal, and finish to deny Grimsby the chance of making the final.