Grimsby Town Women ended 2025 in perfect fashion with a composed 3-0 victory over a resolute Arnold Eagles side, extending their 100% league record and maintaining their strong position at the top of the table.

Town settled into the contest early on, although clear-cut chances were limited in the opening stages against well-organised opposition. Arnold threatened on 17 minutes when a long ball sent their striker through on goal, but goalkeeper Jas Lacey reacted sharply, racing off her line to smother the danger and force a goal kick. At the other end, Beth Wharton was a constant outlet, firing wide from range before being denied by a strong save after breaking through one-on-one.

The breakthrough arrived just before the interval. After Liv Kershaw’s corner was initially cleared, the ball fell kindly to Abbie Emslie on the edge of the area, and the midfielder struck a superb first-time effort to give Town a deserved 1-0 lead on 43 minutes. Town carried that narrow advantage into the break following a tight and competitive first half.

Half Time: Grimsby Town Women 1-0 Arnold Eagles Ladies

The Mariners emerged with renewed purpose after the restart and doubled their lead seven minutes into the second half. Wharton showed great awareness to lay the ball into the path of Eden Pedersen, who was afforded time and space 25-yards from goal before unleashing an unstoppable strike to make it 2-0.

Town continued to press for a third, with Milly North and Alisha Dejonge both going close as chances began to open up. The decisive moment came on 78 minutes when Pedersen once again turned provider, threading a sublime through ball for Dejonge, who calmly finished to seal the points.

Late efforts from North and substitute Mia Westerman nearly added further gloss, with Westerman striking the woodwork in the closing stages, but Town were content to see out a controlled performance and secure a convincing win.

Full Time: Grimsby Town Women 3-0 Arnold Eagles Ladies

The result sees Grimsby Town Women reach the halfway point of the league season with eight wins from eight matches, sitting seven points clear at the top with momentum firmly on their side heading into 2026.

Starting XI: Jasmine Lacey, Leah Wray, Sophie Gray (C), Chloe Thorpe (83’ Burnett), Eden Pedersen, Dani Brighton (46’ Welsh), Milly North, Abbie Emslie (83’ Westerman), Olivia Kershaw (45’ Dejonge), Demi Barai (37’ Davis), Beth Wharton

Subs: Tilly Burnett, Pariss Welsh, Alicia Davis, Mia Westerman, Alisha Dejonge

Goalscorers:

• Abbie Emslie (sponsored by OceanBlue Logistics Ltd.)
• Eden Pedersen (sponsored by Lincolnshire Housing Partnership)
• Alisha Dejonge (available to sponsor)

Player Awards

• Opposition Player of the Match: Alicia Davis (sponsored by Hayley Carver-Smith)
• Coaches’ Player of the Match: Abbie Emslie (sponsored by OceanBlue Logistics Ltd.)

UTM