GTFC Women claimed top spot on Sunday with a dominant 5-0 victory over Arnold Eagles.

Sunday was Town’s first meeting with Arnold, who made an impressive start to the season, winning all of their first four games, which put them level on points with Town at the top of the league, but ahead with a superior goal difference.

The Mariners lined up with new signing Eden Pedersen in their ranks, who made her debut for Grimsby after signing from Hull City Ladies earlier this month. Beth Wharton came in for Emily Blyth in the forward line, and Darcie Proud returned to the starting line-up.

Town started the game very brightly and were on the front foot early on. When they forced a corner in the 13th minute, Olivia Kershaw delivered an excellent ball into the penalty area which Arnold Eagles struggled to clear. A scramble in the box eventually saw the ball fall to Ava Houlston who found the back of the net via a deflection. 

Town continued to pile on the pressure when in the 17th minute Amber Sharp broke loose and looked certain to put the Mariners 2-0 up. Her effort was blocked well by Riley in goal for the visitors, but Ellie Wilson was on hand to score from the rebound to extend the lead with her 6th goal of the campaign. 

Two changes were made for the start of the second half, with Libbi Wright and Emily Blyth entering the game. It wasn’t long before Blyth started to make her mark on proceedings, and in the 60th minute, she was able to release Town’s striker Amber Sharp, who finished superbly to make the score 3-0. Blyth continued to cause problems for the visitors with her pace and direct play, which saw the 16-year-old score two goals in the latter stages of the game. 

The game finished 5-0 to the Mariners, putting them top of the table in what has been an excellent start to the season, with all players contributing to the victory. The fixture wasn’t without one or two frights for Town, with Town’s goalkeeper called upon a number of occasions, stopping the threat and being instrumental in keeping a clean sheet.

After the game, manager Dale Houlston told us, “I am delighted for the girls today, they thoroughly deserved their hard-fought win against title challengers Arnold who kept at it for the full game. The players are pleased to have climbed into that top spot for the first time this season.” 

This Sunday, the women’s team face the short trip to Cleethorpes Town for a local derby at The Linden Club for a 2pm kick-off, show your support if you can!