Grimsby back up Man Utd Carabao Cup shock by knocking out Sheffield Wednesday

Jaze Kabia’s second-half header sealed Grimsby a 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday and a place in the Carabao Cup fourth round for the first time in 24 years.

Kabia headed the only goal from a corner four minutes after the interval as the fourth-tier side, who sensationally knocked out Manchester United in the previous round, deservedly extended their run in the competition.

Wednesday’s young team had embarrassed Leeds in the previous round but rarely threatened against the Mariners, who are riding high in League Two after losing only one of their first eight matches.

Wednesday fans were outnumbered by about two-to-one as they continue to boycott certain games in protest at club owner Dejphon Chansiri and over 6,000 travelling Grimsby fans revelled in the spotlight.

Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen, whose side have taken only one point from their opening five Championship games, started with nine of the fringe players who started against Leeds and they came under early pressure.

Kabia’s fierce effort flashed narrowly wide and skipper Kieran Green forced Owls goalkeeper Evan Horvath into a near-post save.

The Owls spent much of the first half chasing and harrying, but they carved out the best chance before the interval, with George Brown thwarted by Tyrell Warren’s brilliant last-ditch tackle following Olaf Kobacki’s low cross.

Grimsby played towards their travelling fans in the second half and Kabia soon had them in raptures with the decisive goal in the 49th minute, after Charles Vernam’s shot from outside the box had been well saved by Horvath.

From Reece Staunton’s subsequent corner, Kabia’s header appeared to take a deflection off Wednesday midfielder Rio Shipston as it flew into the top corner.

Grimsby substitute Jamie Walker lashed a low shot wide and Horvath was called into action again to keep out both Kabia’s header and Evan Khouri’s effort as the visitors looked to increase their lead.

Wednesday sent on skipper Barry Bannan and Ike Ugbo with 19 minutes left in a bid to salvage the tie and the home side chased an equaliser without testing Grimsby goalkeeper Christy Pym.