Grimsby Town returned to the EFL at the first attempt, overcoming Solihull Moors 2-1 after extra time in the Vanarama National League Promotion Final at the London Stadium. This was one of the most remarkable days in the club's modern history, built on resilience, belief, and an unwavering refusal to give in. The Mariners arrived at the London Stadium carrying the hopes of more than 13,000 travelling supporters, who had been through a season of determination, hard work, and togetherness under Paul Hurst. The challenge was clear: bounce back immediately from relegation. What followed was a season of determination, hard work, and togetherness under Paul Hurst. Yet even after securing a play-off place, Town's route back to the EFL looked almost impossible. First came a dramatic eliminator at Notts County, where Grimsby somehow found a way back from 1-0 down deep into stoppage time. Gavan Holohan's 96th-minute equaliser forced extra time before Emmanuel Dieseruvwe struck a dramatic winner with penalties looming. Three days later came an all-time classic at Wrexham, where the two sides produced one of the greatest matches the competition has ever seen. The game finished 4-4 after 90 minutes before Luke Waterfall's extra-time header secured a remarkable 5-4 victory. Back-to-back away wins. Back-to-back extra-time triumphs. And suddenly, Grimsby Town were one game away from home. Standing between the Mariners and promotion were Solihull Moors, who had finished ten points ahead of Town during the regular season and had won both league meetings between the clubs. But by this stage, statistics meant little. This Grimsby team had developed a habit of doing things the hard way. Paul Hurst stuck with the side that had overcome Notts County and Wrexham. Max Crocombe started in goal behind Jordan Cropper, Andy Smith, Luke Waterfall, and Danny Amos. Ben Fox, Gavan Holohan, Harry Clifton, and Erico Sousa provided support for attacking duo Ryan Taylor and John McAtee. The stage was set. More than 13,000 Mariners supporters turned the London Stadium into a sea of black and white. What followed was another test of character. As they had in both previous play-off matches, Town found themselves behind. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Kyle Hudlin rose highest to head Solihull into the lead. For the third consecutive game, Grimsby were forced to respond to adversity. But this team had made a habit of doing exactly that. The Mariners emerged after the break with renewed purpose and gradually began to take control. Then came the moment that reignited belief. On 70 minutes, substitute Jordan Maguire-Drew cleverly left Andy Smith's through ball and John McAtee raced onto it before calmly slotting the equaliser past the Solihull goalkeeper.