Grimsby Town Women’s manager Dale Houlston is looking forward to his side’s Lincolnshire Women’s League clash with Appleby Frodingham Ladies on Sunday (2pm).

The Mariners play their first ever competitive game as they host Appleby Frodingham at Oasis Academy Wintringham at the weekend.

And manager Dale Houlston is happy that his side’s first league game is against one of the title favourites.

Speaking exclusively to gtfc.co.uk, he said:  “The players are naturally looking forward to the first ever league game, with a mixture of excitement and determination.

“Pre-season has been very useful, but now this is for real, and we would obviously like to make a bright and positive start.

“Appleby Frodingham will be tough opponents though. We know a little bit about them as a number of our players came across them last season.

“They were unfortunate not to gain promotion last season, just missing out by two points.

“So on the face of it, they are perhaps one of the favourites to be competing at the top-end of the league this season.

“These are the games though that I’d expect our players to relish, and I’m delighted that the first fixture is against a well-respected contender.

“We have two or three injury concerns which we will make a final decision on prior to kick-off.

“But we’ve put together a squad that gives us options and a fair bit of flexibility and depth, so our physio Chloe Parsons will have a look at those with niggles prior to the game.

And Houlston is looking forward to seeing some Town fans at the game.

He said: “I’m hearing that a number of Grimsby fans intend to come down and support us which is really nice.

“I’ve no idea just how many there will be, but even if it’s just a small handful we will be extremely grateful for the support and it will be lovely to see them.”