By Match report: Grimsby Town Women suffer cup defeat to Oughtibridge
Grimsby Town Women fell to a narrow League Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of Oughtibridge War Memorial Women on Sunday.
Goals from Kim Brown and Ellie Wilson were not enough to see the Mariners progress in their first fixture of 2023, as the hosts ran out 3-2 winners.
Manager Hayley Cox was forced into making changes due to a few injuries, with Chloe Wilkinson, Eden Pedersen, Leah Wray and Katie Howlett all taking to the field in a new-look backline.
The match started in less-than-ideal circumstances, as the heavy pitch affected Town’s usual passing game.
Oughtibridge showed their class and why they play their football in the division above early on, controlling the play and deservedly taking the lead after just nine minutes.
A free-kick into the Mariners’ box was not dealt with at the first time of asking, which left a now unmarked striker able to stroke the ball home.
This goal seemed to wake Town up and, in the 29th minute, some neat wing play saw Ellie Wilson brought down on the edge of the box.
Captain Kim Brown stepped up and curled the ball into the top corner with an effort that two goalkeepers wouldn’t have been able to save.
The visitors quickly turned one goal five minutes before the break when the Mariners countered with a ball out to Beth Wharton, who slid in the ever-lively Ellie Wilson.
One-on-one with the goalkeeper, Wilson composed herself and sat the opponent down before passing the ball into the empty net.
Before the break, Town saw the hosts draw level when a left-footed volley from a blocked shot 18 yards out flew past Bethany French in goal.
With all to play for in the second period, both sides came out for the second half looking to get on the front foot early, but neither team managed to gain control.
As the game wore on, Oughtibridge started to get on top. Some inspired defending kept the hosts at bay but, with the game looking to be going into extra time, Town hearts were broken with a late Oughtibridge goal.
After the game, Hayley Cox said: “We’re disappointed to come away with a narrow defeat today, which I feel does not give a true reflection of the game.
“The ladies’ work rate was outstanding for the 90 minutes and everyone gave their heart and soul to win.
“The first goal from Kim Brown was a spectacular curling shot into the top corner, the second a very composed finish from Ellie Wilson and, to be honest, the game could quite easily have gone either way.
“Our defending was outstanding, and it is very pleasing to see that the things we have worked on at training are now being implemented into our match day performance.
“A performance of this quality was the start we needed to go into 2023 and I look forward to many more like this for the rest of the season.”
The Mariners’ next fixture is a County Cup quarter-final fixture away to Stamford on Sunday.
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