[Cod Almighty](ca.php) | Article
by [Alistair Wilkinson](ca.php?author=3)
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### 24 August 2025
_The Pontoon's Poet Laureate has emerged from his garret and delivers a prose picture for the fixture we've waited generations for. When the hurly-burly’s done,
when the battle's lost or won we'll still have Al Wilkinson's pre-match poem_
This is the now, the time beforeWhen the east coast itches for more.Before Manchester United -Smaller now, fit to be slighted -We wait, save our noise for the nightTo come. We're restless for delightReady to sing, to sail, to wish
To hook the strongest, biggest fish.
We'll show that we can be a matchWe've got the nets to scoop the catch.There'll be just one beautiful redAs the sun sinks and nods its headSmiling its fading brillianceSpilling its red-hued prominenceA halo behind the Pontoon,
The Grimsby Reaper coming soon.
You Devils, you’re not used to thisImagine a trawler’s steel kiss:It's Mariners v Red DevilsBlundell men raising your troublesThe Humber v Manchester’s HellBlack and white will ring your red bell.We will not let you like it here
We will not show you any fear.
We're brave because we know fear wellIts pain, its spite, we can repel;If a devil slips through our guardSows seeds of doubt till hope is marredWe will seal the breach, scream and yell
Till devils’ teeth we can expel.
You'll see the kings of our desiresYou'll be the kindling for our firesSilver prows will cut through lavaPushing till you would ratherRun home to Bath, London or Fife
Hide from the worst night of your life.
When you try your black voice of doubtWhen you Red Devils try to shoutYour noise will be dismal, woefulTridents' scrapings against our hullAnd we will remember the past
The days of a catch from each cast.
Remember St Mary's, Anfield,Goodison and the Blundell shield:West Ham, Leicester, we've kicked them outTottenham, yet another cup rout.Yeah, you're the biggest here in yearsAnd on the night there may be tearsBut there'll be no heartbreak, no lossA night for the free, there's no costAnd this new Grimsby, this new Town
Is set fair to bring giants down.