The Women’s First Team continue their winning run-in pre-season, beating 5th tier Stamford AFC away from home.

A delightful chip from Abbie Emslie and another goal for Milly North saw Town take a 2-1 win.

The first 10 minutes of the game was all the home side, as Stamford looked to take the game to the Mariners, but Jas Lacey in goal was up to the task.

Town’s first attack came in the 13th minute, with some great build up play between new signing Demi Barai and striker Beth Wharton, but the final ball to Barai found her offside.

Midway through the first half Lacey was called into action again as she came flying out of her goal to punch the ball away before looking to collide heavily with one of her own players. However, after a period of stoppage she was able to continue.

In the 33rd minute Town opened the scoring, with Barai and Wharton combined again, with the latter setting up Abbie Emslie to dink the ball over the keeper with a lovely finish.

Just six minutes later, the Mariners doubled their advantage. Kloe Green had initially lost the ball in midfield but recovered well to get a toe in. The ball broke to Milly North, who drove at goal before slotting it past the onrushing Stamford keeper.

The second half started much like the first, with Stamford on the front foot but chances were either wide or dealt with by the excellent Lacey in goal.

After some half chances for the away side, Stamford had the ball in the net in the 60th minute but the assistant had his flag up for offside.

Home pressure was rewarded with a goal on the 78th minute as a shot came in, crashed the underside of the bar before being fired home by an onrushing Stamford player.

There was a frantic end to the game as Wharton had the chance to seal the win but found her shot cleared off the line before the ball back into the box was cleared.

At the other end Stamford were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute – while hit well, the ball struck the bar and sailed over.

Just 90 seconds later, Stamford had appeals for another penalty waived away as the team held out for the win in very hot conditions.

Town: Jasmine Lacey, Chloe Thorpe, Sophie Gray (C), Liv Kershaw, Dani Brighton, Kloe Green, Demi Barai, Abbie Emslie, Milly North, Alicia Davis, Beth Wharton

Subs: Tilly Burnett, Mia Westerman, Pariss Welsh

UTM