Grimsby Town Women bowed out of the League Cup at the third round against Sheffield FC at Clee Fields in challenging conditions yesterday afternoon.
Sheffield took the lead in the first half, with Beth Wharton being on hand to score the equaliser early in the second, but despite the visitors scoring a late winner, it was a monumental effort from all involved against higher-league opposition.
Ben Challen made four changes to the side that beat local rivals Grimsby Borough the previous week.
Georgia Sylvester returned to the starting XI in between the sticks, with Laura Flecknor getting her first start since returning from injury.
Sophie Gray was back in the starting line-up and youngster Ray Swallow started on the wing, with Ellie Wilson returning to the matchday squad.
The opening period of the game was fairly quiet, with both sides adjusting to the difficult conditions.
Sylvester was called into action to make some comfortable saves to deny the vistiors an early advantage, the latter effort rebounding off the post into the arms of the Mariner’s shot-stopper.
The visitors kept at it, with Sylvester having to be alert again to save a rasping effort after a Sheffield FC player found herself free on the back post.
The first chance for the Mariners came just before the half an hour mark, with Beth Wharton seizing on a keeper back pass. The striker floated the ball across the box, but Lily Jacklin was unable to connect with it.
The visitors took the lead shortly after. Despite another excellent save from Sylvester, a Sheffield FC player was on hand to follow up with a rebound.
Another chance fell for Wharton with ten minutes to go in the first-half. The forward pounced onto some loose defensive play from the visitors, but her effort ricocheted off a Sheffield defender and out for a corner.
Town equalised minutes into the second period of the game through none other than Wharton. The number nine latched onto a ball played over the top of the visiting defence before taking a couple of touches and picking her spot to stroke the ball home.
Pariss Welsh took advantage of a Sheffield clearance and took aim from distance, but it was comfortably saved by the visiting shot-stopper.
The Mariners continued to pile on the pressure with the clock ticking down and the score being level.
Wharton played the ball into the feet of Swallow who looked lively as she powered forward and played a cross into the area. Flecknor rose to meet it, but her header was aimed just wide of the post.
Sheffield scored the match winner against the run of play with less than ten minutes to go, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the eleven black and white shirts on the pitch as they continued to create chances until the referee blew the full-time whistle.
Ben Challen’s side are next in action on Sunday when they welcome Notts County Women Development to Clee Fields.
Town: Sylvester, Wray, Brighton, Kershaw, Thorpe, Flecknor, Wharton, Jacklin, Gray, Swallow, Welsh
Subs: Wilson
