Grimsby Town Women made it six wins from six in the league with a dominant 5-0 victory over near neighbours Cleethorpes Town Ladies in the North East Lincolnshire derby.

A brace from the outstanding Milly North, alongside goals from Liv Kershaw, Beth Wharton and Betsy Thomas, ensured a memorable afternoon for Town, who controlled the contest from first whistle to last.

The Mariners carried a threat throughout, struck the woodwork three times, and produced some excellent attacking football in a derby performance full of composure, intensity and quality.

FIRST HALF

Town began brightly and created the first chance of the afternoon inside seven minutes, when Thomas cut in from the right and let fly from distance, only to see her effort cannon off the bar.

A dangerous spell followed, with Wharton threatening to play Thomas through and North testing the goalkeeper with a low strike as the hosts pushed for the opener.

Their early intent was soon rewarded.

17’ – GOAL: Kershaw (1-0)
Kershaw picked up possession on the right and sent a looping effort towards the near post. The ball arched beyond the goalkeeper and dropped into the net to give Town a deserved lead.

Soon after, North received treatment following a heavy collision that sent her into the hoardings, but she was able to continue.

Town made their first change on 36 minutes as Alisha Dejonge replaced Thomas, and the substitute was immediately involved.

38’ – PENALTY TO TOWN
Dejonge drove into the area before being brought down, leaving the referee with no hesitation.

39’ – GOAL: North (2-0)
North stepped up and confidently sent the keeper the wrong way to double the advantage.

Town continued to push forward and almost added a third before the break when Kershaw delivered a pinpoint cross which North headed narrowly wide.

The hosts went in at half-time with a fully deserved two-goal advantage after a controlled and composed opening 45 minutes.

SECOND HALF

Town returned from the interval with the same attacking intent. North lifted a clever ball over the defence for Wharton, whose strike was well held by the goalkeeper. Another change followed as Emslie replaced Thorpe.

Emslie was quickly involved, racing onto a diagonal pass from Kershaw and firing a dangerous ball across the face of goal.

Town’s pressure finally told.

59’ – GOAL: Wharton (3-0)
North broke down the right, beat two defenders and squared for Wharton, who arrived perfectly to slot home from close range.

The Mariners continued to dominate and were denied a fourth by an excellent save from the visiting keeper after tidy footwork by Wharton created space for Emslie.

Thomas returned to the action for the final stages and would soon make her mark.

86’ – GOAL: Thomas (4-0)
Moments after striking the bar for a second time, Thomas stepped onto a loose ball 30 yards out and rifled a stunning effort into the top corner – the goal of the afternoon.

89’ – GOAL: North (5-0)
North capped an outstanding performance by weaving past three defenders before curling a brilliant effort beyond the keeper for her second of the game.

Town saw out the remaining minutes in control to secure a dominant derby victory and another clean sheet.

Starting XI: Jasmine Lacey, Leah Wray, Sophie Gray (C), Chloe Thorpe (6′ Emslie), Eden Pederson (79′ Welsh), Dani Brighton, Milly North, Betsy Thomas (36′ Dejonge (82′ Westerman)), Olivia Kershaw (74′ Burnett), Demi Barai (60′ Thomas), Beth Wharton

Subs: Tilly Burnett, Pariss Welsh, Mia Westerman, Alisha Dejonge, Abbie Emslie

Goalscorers

• Milly North x2 (sponsored by A View From The Findus podcast)
• Olivia Kershaw (sponsored by Elite Physique Therapy)
• Beth Wharton (sponsored by the Mariners Trust)
• Betsy Thomas (sponsored by Dry Ice UK)

Player Awards

• Opposition Player of the Match: Betsy Thomas (sponsored by Dry Ice UK)
• Coaches’ Player of the Match: Milly North (sponsored by A View From The Findus podcast)

UTM