Hull City send message to promotion-winning hero

Hull City youngster Andy Smith played his part in what turned out to be a historic afternoon in London for Grimsby Town, after the Mariners came from behind to secure an instant return to the EFL by beating Solihull Moors in the National League Promotion Final at the Olympic Stadium.

Smith, who has been on loan at the South Bank club this season, was involved in what turned out to be the winning goal scored by Jordan Maguire-Drew late in extra time, as Town roared back from a goal down in front of 22,000 fans and secure their place in League Two next term.

The talented young City defender has proved to be a hit at Blundell Park this term, and though he wasn't at his best in the final against Neal Ardley's side, winning back possession in the build-up to the winning goal was key, and his parent club were quick to congratulate him.

Meanwhile, Mariners boss Paul Hurst admitted he was pleased to repay the faith put in him by the club's owners, having suffered a desperate relegation from the EFL 12 months ago.

"I knew we were better than what the results suggested. "Of course, a couple were but this is an amazing feeling, I'm so pleased for everyone," Hurst said after his side were promoted in dramatic fashion. The way we went down and without fans with Covid, it didn't sit right. We went down because we weren't good enough and so many months of that was myself.

"Dave Moore (physio) said he wanted to go all the way. Short of penalties, we couldn't have gone much closer. We were a little bit earlier today, maybe too early! I'm so pleased, so much effort has gone in. I'm pleased for the academy too, Neil Woods works so hard and this makes life easier even though the owners have always supported it.

"It can't happen again. I