Grimsby Town Women produced a spirited performance against higher-league opposition but were narrowly beaten 2–1 by Wellingborough Town Ladies, exiting the League Cup after a hard-fought contest.

FIRST HALF

Town began brightly and immediately tested the visitors’ goalkeeper. Within the opening five minutes, Beth Wharton and Milly North were both denied by excellent saves as Grimsby took the game to their opponents.

Despite their positive start, it was Wellingborough who struck first in the 21st minute, capitalising on their first real opportunity to take a 1–0 lead.

The Mariners continued to create chances, with North again going close before Wharton saw another effort saved before the rebound struck the post and went wide. Demi Barai also tested the keeper shortly before half-time, but Town went into the break a goal down despite being on top for much of the half.

SECOND HALF

Head Coach Ben Thomas made two changes at the interval, introducing Eden Pedersen and Alicia Davis for Dani Brighton and Abbie Emslie, as Town looked to build on their first-half pressure.

Wharton continued to threaten with a powerful strike early in the second half, while at the other end Barai produced a vital defensive header to clear off the line and keep Town in the game.

Town pushed forward and were rewarded in the 76th minute when Pariss Welsh’s long ball over the top caused confusion in the Wellingborough defence. The ball fell kindly for Barai, who made no mistake in slotting home the equaliser to level the scores late on.

Moments later, North came agonisingly close to completing the turnaround, heading narrowly wide after a clever quick free kick from Pedersen.

However, with just minutes remaining, Wellingborough found a late winner to restore their lead and seal their place in the next round of the competition.

Town: Jasmine Lacey, Liv Kershaw, Sophie Gray, Leah Wray, Pariss Welsh, Dani Brighton (46 Pedersen), Abbie Emslie (46 Davis), Demi Barai, Milly North, Alisha Dejonge (72’ Westerman), Beth Wharton

Subs not used: Tilly Burnett

UTM