Grimsby Town Women progressed to the third qualifying round of the Women’s FA Cup with a 3-1 victory over Arnold Eagles at Clee Fields this afternoon.
The Mariners produced a strong first-half display to establish a two-goal lead before Arnold pulled one back shortly before the interval. Leah Wray restored Town’s two-goal advantage shortly after the restart, with the Mariners seeing out the remainder of the contest to book their place in the next round.
Town started brightly and took the lead after 10 minutes. Good build-up play saw Beth Wharton work the ball out to the right for Rowen Crawshaw, who delivered a ball across the six-yard box.
Wharton was unable to get on the end of the cross, but Abbie Emslie was perfectly placed at the back post to finish and put Town ahead. The Mariners continued to threaten and doubled their advantage in the 31st minute.
Crawshaw broke down the right and looked to dink a ball into the box, but her effort took everyone by surprise as it found its way into the back of the net to give her her first goal for the Club. Town continued to dominate and went close to adding a third before the break.
Crawshaw again caused problems down the right before her delivery flashed across the box, with the Arnold goalkeeper doing superbly to shield the ball away from the onrushing Emslie. Wharton then had a great opportunity in stoppage time when she broke through on goal, but the Arnold goalkeeper rushed out to make the save.
The rebound fell back to Wharton, but the goalkeeper recovered quickly to make another save and turn the ball behind for a corner.
Arnold pulled a goal back in the 42nd minute to give themselves hope heading into the interval.
The Mariners remained in front at the break, but the visitors had reduced the deficit to 2-1.
Second half
Town started the second half on the front foot and restored their two-goal advantage just five minutes after the restart.
Wharton delivered a dangerous ball into the box and, after the ball pinged around the area, Wray reacted quickest to fire home and make it 3-1. Wharton was replaced by Alisha Dejonge shortly afterwards, while Issy Thompson came on for Brooke Howe in the 68th minute.
Arnold attempted to find a route back into the contest and appealed for a penalty after Jas Lacey made contact with an opposing player inside the box. The player remained on her feet and a Town defender was on hand to clear the resulting danger.
The visitors went close again when an effort was lifted over the crossbar, while Lacey was called into action in the closing stages. The Town goalkeeper produced a good save in the 83rd minute to hold an Arnold effort on target.
Crawshaw was then replaced by Sophie Gray as the Mariners looked to see out the contest. Arnold continued to push for a second goal, but Lacey was again on hand in the 89th minute to make another important save.
Town held firm during the closing stages to secure a 3-1 victory and progress to the third qualifying round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
A total of 110 supporters were in attendance at Clee Fields to watch the Mariners advance, with Crawshaw named the Supporters’ Player of the Match after an impressive performance capped by her first goal for the Club.
Emslie, Crawshaw and Wray were Town’s goalscorers.
The Mariners will now face fellow tier-five side Solihull Moors Women away from home in the third qualifying round, with the tie scheduled to take place on Sunday 4th October.
The victory means Town’s scheduled league fixture against Lincoln Women will now be rearranged.
Starting XI: Jasmin Lacey, Leah Wray, Tilly Burnett, Scarlett Norman, Rowen Crawshaw, Abbie Emslie, Brooke Mayall, Beth Wharton, Brooke Howe, Milly North, Pariss Welsh.
Substitutes: Sophie Gray, Alisha Dejonge, Issy Thompson.
Attendance: 110
Supporters’ Player of the Match: Rowen Crawshaw (available to sponsor)
UTM
