Grimsby Town Women make history this Sunday as they welcome Stockport County Women to Blundell Park for the first round proper of the Women’s FA Cup for the first time in the Club’s history.
The Mariners secured their place in the first round with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Solihull Moors Women, with Brooke Howe’s stoppage-time equaliser forcing penalties before 16-year-old Brooke Mayall converted the decisive spot-kick to seal a memorable win.
Town will now look to continue their historic cup journey in front of the Blundell Park faithful, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.
Watch Women’s Head Coach, Ben Thomas, give his pre-match thoughts here:
The Opposition
Stockport County Women arrive on the back of an emphatic 8-0 victory over Bradford City in the previous round of the Women’s FA Cup.
County established a three-goal advantage before half-time, with Em Bradshaw scoring twice and Meg Parker also finding the net. They continued their dominance after the break, with Imogen Porteous-Williams, Ellie Fletcher, Rosie Embley and Livvi Turkington all getting on the scoresheet before an own goal completed the rout.
The result underlined the attacking threat posed by Sunday’s visitors, who have scored freely in recent weeks.
Stockport also recorded a 3-0 league victory away at Thornaby earlier this month, before sharing the points in a 3-3 draw with Norton & Stockton Ancients last weekend.
In the FA Women’s National League Division One North, County sit fourth after seven matches, having collected 13 points from four wins, one draw and two defeats.
They also enjoyed a remarkable 5-4 victory over Derby County in the FA Women’s National League Cup at the end of September, demonstrating their ability to deliver goals in high-scoring encounters.
Ones to Watch
Em Bradshaw
Bradshaw will be one to watch after her impressive performance in the previous round, where she scored twice in County’s 8-0 win over Bradford City. The forward’s movement and finishing helped establish a commanding first-half lead, and Town will need to be alert to the threat she poses in the final third.
Ellie Fletcher
County captain Fletcher was also influential against Bradford, providing assists for Bradshaw and Porteous-Williams before scoring a goal of her own. Her contribution highlighted her ability to create opportunities for teammates as well as finish chances herself.
The Mariners’ Start
Town head into Sunday’s historic tie in positive form after securing back-to-back victories in the last two games.
A 2-1 win away at Mansfield Town Ladies in the cup was followed by a 2-0 victory against Sleaford Town Rangers last weekend, giving the Mariners momentum heading into their biggest fixture of the campaign so far.
Their cup run has already delivered plenty of drama. After progressing through the qualifying rounds, Town showed tremendous resilience against Solihull Moors, recovering from a second-half deficit to force a shootout with Howe’s late equaliser.
Mayall then held her nerve from the spot to send the Mariners through, securing a place in the first round proper for the first time in the Club’s history.
The team will now have the opportunity to test themselves against higher-tier opposition at Blundell Park, with the backing of the home crowd providing an added incentive.
A Historic Occasion at Blundell Park
Sunday represents a landmark moment for Grimsby Town Women, as the team steps onto the Blundell Park pitch for a historic FA Cup fixture.
The Mariners have already shown their determination and quality throughout the qualifying rounds, and they will be aiming to carry that spirit into Sunday’s contest against a Stockport side arriving in confident goalscoring form.
With a place in the next round at stake, Town will be hoping to make the most of home advantage and give supporters another memorable afternoon.
Match Information
- Fixture: Grimsby Town Women vs Stockport County Women
- Competition: Women’s FA Cup – First Round
- Date: Sunday 25 October 2026
- Kick-off: 2pm
- Venue: Blundell Park
- Turnstiles: Open from 1pm
Tickets can be purchased online or from the turnstiles on arrival. Adults are priced at £6, with kids and seniors admitted for £3.
The Family Bar will be open for refreshments, a face-painter will be available for younger supporters, and flagbearers will welcome the teams onto the pitch ahead of kick-off.
We look forward to welcoming supporters to Blundell Park for this historic occasion as the Mariners look to continue their Women’s FA Cup journey.
UTM
