Cleethorpes Town 2-2 Grimsby Borough
International Club Friendly | 25 July 2026 | The LDF Stadium

A lively local derby turned pre-season friendly ended all square as Cleethorpes Town and Grimsby Borough played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in front of a healthy crowd at the LDF Stadium. Both sides used the contest to build fitness and sharpen tactical cohesion ahead of their respective league campaigns, but the competitive edge never dulled in a match filled with end-to-end action.

Match Overview

Cleethorpes Town, competing in the Northern Premier League, took on their near-neighbours from Grimsby Borough of the Northern Counties East League. The friendly offered both clubs a chance to test squad depth and experiment with formations. The scoreline reflected a balanced contest, with each side enjoying spells of dominance.

First Half – Early Exchanges

Grimsby Borough started brightly, pressing high and forcing early errors from the Cleethorpes backline. Their reward came in the 18th minute when a swift counter-attack was finished coolly past the home goalkeeper. Cleethorpes responded well, equalising before the half-hour mark through a well-worked set piece that left the Borough defence flat-footed.

Second Half – Drama and Response

The second half saw both managers ring the changes, giving minutes to fringe players. Grimsby Borough regained the lead shortly after the restart, capitalising on a defensive mix-up. However, Cleethorpes showed resilience and grabbed a late equaliser in the 82nd minute, a powerful strike from just inside the box that gave the visiting keeper no chance.

Key Takeaways

• Fitness levels: Both teams showed good conditioning for July, with the tempo remaining high deep into the second half.
• Set-piece threat: Cleethorpes’ equaliser from a dead ball highlighted a potential strength for the season ahead.
• Local rivalry: Despite being a friendly, the physical commitment and passionate support underlined the importance of the fixture to both fanbases.

The 2-2 draw leaves both managers with plenty to reflect on as pre-season continues. For Cleethorpes Town, the fightback showed character, while Grimsby Borough will be pleased with their attacking fluidity.