Football: Patriotic punters roar as England claw out win over Sweden
THE wet weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of local football fans as they watched England's second match of the Euro 2012 tournament.
Pubs across the borough were rammed as hundreds of hopeful fans sat glued to the match, hungry for victory.
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It's a goal! Football fans celebrate Andy Carroll's goal, during the Euro 2012, Group D game between England and Sweden, on the big screen at the Cleethorpes Cricket Club. Picture: Rick Byrne. Buy this photo at www.thisisphotosales.co.uk/grimsby or by contacting 08444 060910.
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Nail biter: Nervous moments for one England fan after Sweden equalised.
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Football friends: From left, Sam Middleditch, 7, Matthew Tiplady, 7, Alfie Handley, 6, Sam Robinson, 9, Joe Middleditch, 9, Reece Handley, 5, Dillan Trigg, 9, enjoying the match.
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Cheering England on: Stacy Jackson, right, with family and friends.
Red and white flags draped the bars – as did fans – and cheers of joy and despair echoed off the walls as England took on Sweden in Kiev.
England have never beaten the Scandinavian country in a competitive tournament.
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But that grim fact did not worry the 100 fans who crammed into Cleethorpes Cricket Club, in Chichester Road, Cleethorpes, to watch the match on the venue's new big screen.
Roars of triumph as Andy Carroll netted the first goal for England in the 23rd minute resounded across the bar and hopes of a win grew even stronger.
Facilities manager, Dean Cressey, is hopeful England will do their country proud in the tournament.
He said: "We are absolutely in the spirit. It is great to see the pub so full.
"This year no-one expects us to do well, so we could be the dark horses in the competition.
"We have to move on from how they did in the World Cup. This is a new year, a new manager and a new team.
"The whole country needs to focus on this tournament."
The Cricket Club is known for its family atmosphere and attracted whole families of football fans. Stacy Jackson, 32, said: "It's been a great atmosphere tonight and good to see everyone having a good time.
"If support carries on like this, England are going to do okay."
Mike Handley, of Cleethorpes, brought his two sons, Reece, 5 and Alfie, 6, to watch the match and is optimistic about England's chances.
He said: "My two kids are absolutely football crazy and they're hoping England win the tournament.
"It is hard to say how we'll do as it's only the second game but we had a good game against France and I'm hopeful we can win the rest."
Footy friends, Dylan Trigg, 9, and Joe Middleton, 9, hope England will "thrash" every team they play.
Joe said: "We are going to thrash them all!"
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