Grimsby Town Women delivered another outstanding performance on the road as they secured a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Notts County Women Development yesterday.

Two goals in each half, including a brace from Abbie Emslie and a relentless attacking display led by Beth Wharton, ensured Town returned home with all three points, and extended their flawless league record.

Fast Start and Early Pressure

Town were on the front foot from the first whistle. Inside two minutes, County were forced into a short back pass and Wharton pounced, only for the goalkeeper to narrow the angle and make the save.

The forward continued to cause problems, beating the offside trap on 11 minutes before clipping the post after rounding the keeper. Moments later she attempted to square for Emslie, but the ball just evaded the onrushing striker.

County’s first meaningful sight of goal came on 20 minutes, but Jas Lacey was equal to it, producing a solid stop to keep the scores level.

Emslie At The Double

The breakthrough arrived on 26 minutes. Laura Flecknor threaded a perfectly weighted ball through for Wharton, who this time delivered an inch-perfect pass across the box for Emslie to convert first time and give Town the lead.

Just three minutes later, the advantage was doubled. A high press saw Milly North dance into the box, riding a challenge before showing quick feet to beat another defender. She then laid the ball into Emslie’s path, who made no mistake to grab her second of the afternoon.

Wharton continued to threaten before the break, forcing another excellent save, while North tried her luck from distance, but Town went into half-time with a comfortable 2-0 lead despite a swirling crosswind.

Second Half Ruthlessness

Town picked up where they left off after the restart. Wharton tested the keeper early on, but the third goal soon followed.

On 52 minutes, North produced a moment of quality in midfield, playing a superb outside-of-the-boot pass to the right. Liv Kershaw took a touch before firing home to make it 3-0.

Barely a minute later, it was four. North again involved, laying the ball into Wharton’s path, and this time the forward was never going to miss as she deservedly got herself on the scoresheet.

Further chances followed as Town continued to dominate. Emslie came agonisingly close to her hat-trick when her effort struck the bar, while Leah Wray headed wide from a corner. Wharton was also cynically clipped after another driving run, and from the resulting free-kick scramble the County keeper was forced into another sharp save.

Substitutions saw Chloe Thorpe and Alisha Dejonge introduced as Town comfortably managed the closing stages.

Statement At The Summit

It was an accomplished, professional display from the league leaders, who now boast 11 wins from 11 matches, 54 goals scored and just eight conceded.

With momentum firmly on their side, Town continue to set the standard at the top of the table, and performances like this underline exactly why.

Starting XI: Jasmine Lacey, Leah Wray, Sophie Gray (C) (61′ Thorpe), Tilly Burnett, Dani Brighton, Eden Pedersen, Abbie Emslie, Milly North, Laura Flecknor, Olivia Kershaw (66′ Dejonge), Beth Wharton

Subs: Chloe Thorpe, Alisha Dejonge

Goalscorers:

• Beth Wharton (sponsored by the Mariners Trust)
• Olivia Kershaw (sponsored by Elite Physique Therapy)
• Abbie Emslie (sponsored by Ocean Blue Logistics Ltd.)

Supporters Player of the Match:

• Abbie Emslie (sponsored by Ocean Blue Logistics Ltd.)

Opposition Player of the Match:

• Beth Wharton (sponsored by the Mariners Trust)

UTM