Grimsby Town Women continued their pre-season preparations with a thrilling 4-3 victory away at Harrogate Town Women at Rossett Sports Centre.
Town made a fast start in Yorkshire, taking the lead inside six minutes through Milly North. Abbie Emslie and Beth Wharton worked hard to press the Harrogate defence, forcing the hosts into possession on the edge of their own box. North was alert to the loose ball and wasted no time in firing home to put the Mariners ahead.
North was involved again for Town’s second on 27 minutes. The midfielder won possession high up the pitch before playing Wharton through, with the forward being brought down inside the penalty area. North stepped up from the spot and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to double the Mariners’ advantage.
Town continued to threaten and added a third five minutes later. North showed excellent footwork to work her way into the box before pulling the ball across the byline, with the delivery taking a deflection off a Harrogate defender and finding its way into the net.
The Mariners headed into half-time three goals ahead, having dealt well with a different type of challenge as Harrogate enjoyed periods of possession. Town made a number of changes at the interval, with Eden Pedersen, Issy Thompson and Brooke Mayall making way for Pariss Welsh, Laura Flecknor and Alicia Davis.
Harrogate came out strongly after the restart and pulled a goal back on 59 minutes before reducing the deficit further five minutes later to make it 3-2. Further changes followed for the Mariners, with Leah Wray and Tilly Burnett replaced by Halle Roberts and Issy Thompson.
Town responded immediately, restoring their two-goal advantage in the 66th minute. Wharton used her strength to hold off the Harrogate defender before keeping her composure to slot the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper and make it 4-2.
The hosts refused to give up and pulled another goal back just two minutes later, setting up a nervy final period for the Mariners. Town stood firm during the closing stages, however, seeing out a dramatic second half to secure a 4-3 victory and continue their positive pre-season preparations.
Town: Lacey, Norman, Gray, Burnett, Pedersen, Mayall, Wray, Emslie, North, Thompson, Wharton.
Subs: Roberts, Welsh, Flecknor, Davis.
UTM
