It was one of the biggest FA Cup upsets of all-time - and a former Carlisle United player was at the heart of it.

Grimsby Town's 2-1 victory over Southampton sent the League Two club into the quarter-finals.

And their memorable victory against Premier League opposition came with the help of ex-Blues keeper Max Crocombe.

He was Grimsby's last line of defence in their game at St Mary's when two Gavan Holohan penalties sent Paul Hurst's side through.

It came three days before Crocombe and Grimsby head to Brunton Park in the league.

The goalkeeper, who was with United from 2016-17, could not hide his disbelief at the historic victory.

“Honestly lost for words,” he said said via his social media channels.

News and Star: Crocombe, left, celebrates with his team-mates at SouthamptonCrocombe, left, celebrates with his team-mates at Southampton (Image: PA)

“I’m so proud of this team and this football club.

"The atmosphere tonight was incredible, what a fan base we have, could hear them signing all night long. So proud, FA Cup quarter-finals.”

Southampton pulled one back after Holohan's penalty double when Duje Caleta-Car volleyed past Crocombe.

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But Grimsby defied the top-flight side in the closing stages to reach the last eight for the first time since 1939.

"It's a memory for them, for the owners, for the supporters and we go down in history because of the way we've got to the quarter-finals," said Hurst, whose side are the first in FA Cup history to defeat higher-division opposition in each game from the first round when advancing this far.

New Zealander Crocombe made four appearances for United in the 2016/17 season when he was mostly understudy to first-choice Mark Gillespie.

He has been with Grimsby since 2021.