Grimsby Town Women came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Hull City Development in a pre-season friendly at Clee Fields on Sunday afternoon.
The Mariners fell behind after just four minutes, but responded with two goals from Milly North to complete an impressive comeback against a strong Hull City Development side.
Hull made the brighter start and took the lead when a long ball over the top sent their forward through on goal, with the opportunity finished neatly beyond Jasmin Lacey.
Town looked to respond and began to find their rhythm as the first half progressed, with Alicia Davis, Beth Wharton and North among those looking to create openings.
The Mariners eventually found their equaliser just before half-time following an excellent team move.
Alisha Dejonge played a first-time pass into Brooke Howe, whose pull-back found Wharton. The forward then played North through, and she calmly slotted home to make it 1-1 in the 44th minute.
Town went into the break level after a competitive opening 45 minutes against a well-drilled Hull side.
There were changes at half-time, with Brooke Mayall replacing Rowen Crawshaw, while Scarlett Norman came on for Tilly Burnett shortly after the restart.
The Mariners continued to look for a way to take the lead and were rewarded on 58 minutes.
A superb ball through sent North racing clear, and the forward showed excellent composure and footwork to round the Hull goalkeeper before finishing into an empty net and putting Town 2-1 ahead.
Town continued to push for a third and came agonisingly close when an effort struck the crossbar.
Laura Flecknor replaced Wharton in the 68th minute, with Halle Roberts coming on for Sophie Gray 11 minutes from time.
The Mariners remained resolute during the closing stages as Hull looked for an equaliser, with Town’s defence standing firm to protect their advantage.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Grimsby Town Women, providing another valuable test as preparations for the new season conclude.
North’s brace proved decisive, while the Mariners can take plenty of positives from a battling performance against a strong Hull City Development side.
Grimsby Town Women: Jasmin Lacey, Leah Wray, Sophie Gray (Halle Roberts, 79), Tilly Burnett (Scarlett Norman, 47), Pariss Welsh, Rowen Crawshaw (Brooke Mayall, 46), Isobel Thompson, Abbie Emslie, Milly North, Alicia Davis, Beth Wharton (Laura Flecknor, 68).
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