Grimsby Town Women began their 2025/26 season in emphatic fashion, storming to a 5-1 victory away at North Ferriby in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.

Ben Thomas’ side started on the front foot and could have been ahead inside the opening minute when Abbie Emslie forced the home goalkeeper into an early save. Chances continued to fall the Mariners’ way with Milly North, Alisha DeJonge and Alicia Davis all going close before the hosts stunned the visitors by taking the lead against the run of play in the 23rd minute.

Town’s response was immediate. Just two minutes later, Beth Wharton was brought down in the box and North calmly converted from the penalty spot to bring her side level. The equaliser lifted the Mariners, and soon after, North pounced on a loose ball to fire Town into the lead. She went agonisingly close to completing her hat-trick before half-time, striking the post and seeing another effort flash wide, while DeJonge also hit the woodwork as Town dominated.

SECOND HALF

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Town controlling possession and creating chance after chance. Emslie and Davis both went close before Wharton thought she had sealed the win on 81 minutes, rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home. After a brief consultation between referee and assistant, the goal was given.

With Ferriby tiring, Town pushed on to add further gloss to the scoreline. Emslie was finally rewarded for her persistence with a superb strike from the edge of the box on 89 minutes, before North completed her hat-trick in style – weaving past defenders and the goalkeeper to coolly finish in the final minute of normal time.

It was a dominant performance full of attacking intent, with the Mariners booking their place in the second qualifying round in style.

Town XI: Jas Lacey, Liv Kershaw, Sophie Gray (C), Chloe Thorpe, Kloe Green, Pariss Welsh, Abbie Emslie, Milly North, Alicia Davis, Alisha Dejonge, Beth Wharton
Subs: Beth Mullxhi, Leah Wray, Tilly Burnett, Eden Pedersen, Mia Westerman