Grimsby Town Women suffered their first league defeat in 18 months as Doncaster Rovers Belles ran out 6-1 winners at a record-breaking Blundell Park this afternoon.
In front of a new record attendance of 689, the Mariners battled hard but were ultimately beaten by a clinical Belles side in their first home fixture of the season at the Club’s historic home.
Doncaster took the lead after eight minutes when Nat Shaw found the bottom corner despite Leah Wray’s sliding challenge.
Town responded positively and created a number of opportunities as they looked to level the contest.
Beth Wharton was denied by Scarlette Slater-Rowley after breaking through the Doncaster defence, while Milly North drove into the box and saw a last-ditch challenge deny her the chance to get a shot away.
Eden Pedersen then dragged an effort wide before Wharton again went close, this time seeing her effort comfortably gathered by the Belles goalkeeper.
The Mariners eventually got their reward in the 27th minute.
Alisha Dejonge lifted a ball over the top of the Doncaster defence and Wharton was perfectly placed to meet it, sending a powerful half-volley over Slater-Rowley and in off the crossbar to bring Town level.
The game developed into an entertaining contest, with both sides continuing to threaten.
Doncaster looked dangerous from set pieces, while Town continued to carry a threat through North and Wharton. Jasmin Lacey was called into action shortly before half-time to palm a corner away from danger.
Neither side could find a second before the interval, leaving the scores level at the break.
Second half
The Belles regained the lead just three minutes after the restart.
Nat Shaw wriggled into the Town box and managed to get around Lacey, but Sophie Gray produced an important clearance from the byline to prevent further danger.
Moments later, however, Doncaster did find the breakthrough as Imogen Burnley restored their advantage in the 48th minute.
The visitors then extended their lead two minutes later when Sheldon Ashton played the ball through to Betty Cheetham, who calmly rolled her effort into the bottom corner.
Town made changes in an attempt to respond, with Brooke Howe replacing Rowen Crawshaw, while Brooke Mayall had earlier come on for the injured Pedersen.
Doncaster continued to threaten and added a fourth in the 54th minute.
Shaw’s curling effort was saved by Lacey, but Ruby Jex-Oldfield reacted quickest to head home the rebound.
The Mariners continued to work hard in search of a route back into the contest.
Dejonge won a free kick on the edge of the box after being brought down, although Wharton could only send her effort into the wall.
A further opportunity came when Wharton tried to break through the Belles defence, but another sliding challenge halted her progress.
Doncaster added a fifth in the 72nd minute as a short corner found Cheetham, who turned before hammering a superb finish into the top corner.
Town continued to push forward despite the scoreline, with Wharton finding North, who in turn tried to pick out Howe, while the Mariners continued to compete for every ball.
The visitors added a sixth five minutes from time to complete the scoring.
Four minutes of additional time were played, but there was no way back for the Mariners as Doncaster saw out the remainder of the contest.
The result brings an end to Town’s remarkable 18-month unbeaten run in league football, but the afternoon will also be remembered for the incredible support at Blundell Park.
A new record attendance of 689 watched the Mariners in action at the Club’s home, providing a memorable backdrop despite the result.
Pariss Welsh was named Town’s Player of the Match, presented with her award by Club CEO Polly Bancroft.
Everyone at the Club would like to thank the 689 supporters who came through the gates and created a special atmosphere for the women’s team’s first competitive fixture at Blundell Park.
Starting XI: Jasmin Lacey, Leah Wray, Sophie Gray, Scarlett Norman, Rowen Crawshaw, Abbie Emslie, Eden Pedersen, Beth Wharton, Alisha Dejonge, Milly North, Pariss Welsh.
Substitutes: Alicia Davis, Laura Flecknor, Brooke Mayall, Tilly Burnett, Brooke Howe.
Attendance: 689
Player of the Match: Pariss Welsh
UTM
