Grimsby Town 2 Huddersfield Town 3: Robins relieved to avoid Cup shock

Aswad Thomas’s last-gasp own goal denied non-league Grimsby an FA Cup third-round replay at Huddersfield, who came back late to beat the Mariners 3-2.

The hosts, looking to make the fourth round for the first time since 1998, were 2-1 up with just five minutes to go at Blundell Park after Ross Hannah and Craig Disley struck - sandwiched by Oliver Norwood’s goal.

Former Grimsby striker Martin Paterson then equalised on 85 minutes before Thomas’ late intervention spared the Terriers’ blushes.

“We started off well and I thought we controlled the game for long spells in the first half,” said Huddersfield boss Mark Robins.

“But we knew they were going to put us under pressure - it’s the FA Cup, and that was a real FA Cup tie and like a throwback to when I was playing.

“The pitch was poor and they were tough conditions - it was all the things that you want as a neutral in an FA Cup tie.

“But as the manager of an away team coming to a Conference side, it’s not what you want at all.

“We knew it was going to be tough, they put us under a lot of pressure but had we scored early on with one of the numerous chances we had we might have had a lot easier afternoon.

“There were lots of cameras around looking for an upset, and we disappointed them, which is great.”