Grimsby Town took on Sunderland U23’s last night in the final group game of the Checkatrade Trophy, with just three Black Cats fans making the trip to Blundell Park to watch their side take the spoils in a pulsating penalty shoot-out.

The home side shared the attendance - just 248 - on their official Twitter feed before kick-off, alongside a photo of three hardy Sunderland fans brave enough to take on the chilling temperatures on offer in northern Lincolnshire last night.

Both sides were already out of the competition after rivals Scunthorpe and Doncaster had placed themselves out of reach, and the game looked to be heading to a drab ending before late goals from JJ Hooper and Donald Love brought the game to life.

Fans took to Twitter to have their say on Sunderland’s less than impressive away following, with extremely varying opinions on the matter…