Grimsby Borough vs Grimsby Town: A Fixture Built on Shared Roots and Local Pride

On Tuesday 8th July, we’re looking forward to welcoming Grimsby Town to Technica's Home of Grimsby Borough for what promises to be a thrilling pre-season friendly. But this game means more than just getting minutes in the legs.

There’s a strong connection between our two clubs, and this fixture is a great example of how football teams in Grimsby can work together. For a club like ours, playing in the Northern Premier League, having a positive relationship with a club like Town - with their professional setup and quality squad - is something we really value.

Over the years, we’ve had the chance to bring in loan players from Town who need game time, and we’re always open to working together to help young players take that next step. It’s good for them, good for us, and good for local football.

That link is clear when you look at our current squad too as several of our players at Boro started out at Grimsby Town and went on to make first-team appearances:

Brad Wood – A no-nonsense right-back who made over 100 first-team appearances for Town between 2009 and 2013. He was named Young Player of the Season in 2010–11.

Dayle Southwell – Came through the youth system and broke into the first team before going on to enjoy a prolific spell at Boston United and a solid non-league career.

Josh Venney – A talented midfielder who signed professional terms and made several appearances for Town in the 2015–16 season. He joined Boro last season and has become a key part of our midfield.

Paul Walker – Another player who came through the Town academy, making first-team appearances in the 2013–14 season. He’s joined us ahead of the upcoming campaign, and we’re excited to see what he brings to the squad.

Tom Sawyer – Progressed through the youth ranks at Town and signed a professional contract with them in 2017. He now continues his footballing journey with us here at Boro, adding versatility and that vital experience.

Luis Adlard – A skilful forward who made a handful of first-team appearances for Town after progressing through the youth setup, and now brings that quality, high energy and experience to our frontline.

And it’s not just those names - plenty of other players in our squad have also come through the ranks at Grimsby Town, especially through the youth setup. It just goes to show how strong the local football pathway is when clubs work together.

For these lads, it’ll be a great occasion playing against their old club. And for the fans, it’s a chance to see some familiar faces, as well as getting a first look at Town’s new summer signings ahead of their League Two campaign.

Tom Sawyer – Defender, Grimsby Borough
“It’s always a big occasion when town come to Bradley during pre season. It’s something as a team we always look forward to because there are always good numbers down and it’s always good to test yourself against players of a very high standard.

On a personal note it’s always good to see some old faces and test myself against players who train every day, it’s perfect practice before the season starts. Being at Grimsby since u9s to signing a professional contract will always be one of my biggest achievements and everything I learnt back then I still use today.”

Lauren Flett – Director, Grimsby Borough
“Over the last season, I’ve seen first-hand the work that goes on between our two clubs, and it’s genuinely impressed me. Grimsby Town are operating several leagues above us, but there’s still a real willingness to support and connect, especially when it comes to player development. At Boro, we’re proud to have our own junior, youth, and reserve sections, along with a growing ladies’ setup that includes junior girls and a first team. We work hard to develop local talent across all areas of the club. That’s what we aspire to do – create opportunities for young players to grow. This fixture represents everything we’re trying to build in the local football community.”

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now: Boro v Grimsby Town Tickets – Tue, Jul 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite.

You can also pick up a ticket at The Coach House or the Grimsby Town Ticket Office.

We’d love to see a big crowd down at Bradley. Games like this are important not just financially, but for what they represent to the local football scene.

We’re proud of our relationship with Grimsby Town, and we’re looking forward to another great evening together.