 Bournemouth and Grimsby entered the fixture in a similar positions with both clubs fighting for promotion from the Football League Second Division.Grimsby were 3rd trailing Watford and Bristol City where Bournemouth were outside the play-offs in 8th.Bournemouth were competing in their second Football League Trophy final having won the first ever tournament in 1984, Grimsby were competing in their first final and were playing at Wembley for the very first time.