By Matthew Stephens
Huddersfield suffered defeat at the Stafflex to Nottingham Forest, leaving the final three games of the season vital in the battle for survival.
Despite several good chances for Town, the away side’s pressure proved too much with two second half goals.
Forest had the first of the chances, with their header well wide of the post leaving Faye Hazelton unfazed in her goal.
It wasn’t long before Yasmin Mason saw an opportunity for Town, but unfortunately was unable to keep her shot from range on target.
For a few minutes the game was an end-to-end affair as Forest went up the other end, with their effort again missing the target and eventually called offside anyway.
Mason had another chance in the 24th minute, through one-on-one on the left flank and sending her shot just past the opposite post.
The Town defence worked to block a series of shots towards the end of the half, allowing Hazelton to confidently collect the loose ball and put the visitors’ attack to an end.
After a coming together with a Forest player, Caz Simone was left limping with a knock to the ankle, before receiving medical attention for a few minutes and being judged fit to continue – no doubt a scare to the bench considering recent fixture build up and fitness issues.
The away side went into the second half flying, forcing some impressive last ditch defending from Tweede.
Hazelton was forced into another save in the 54th minute, her miskick inviting pressure but dealing comfortably with a tame shot.
Just a minute later Forest had a huge chance, their striker unable to connect properly on the end of a cross and squandering an opportunity from close range.
The away side took the lead in the 60th minute through a cross on the right-hand side that looped over Hazelton and in.
The Garibaldi had most of the chances afterwards, flashing a shot past the left post in the 67th minute and almost finding their second in the 71st has it not been for Tweede’s heroics.
Three minutes later a long-range effort for the away side hit the bar, only to have another effort cannon off the woodwork soon after.
The pressure paid off for Forest in the 79th minute, doubling their lead after their high press saw them win possession high up the pitch and a tidy finish ended the move.
The Terriers had a late opportunity to grab one back, but Ibbotson’s header couldn’t find the target and saw the game finish at 2-0.
Tensions ran high in the closing stages, with a few altercations between the two sides that left both teams calling for bookings from the referee.
The girls face Newcastle away on Sunday, a daunting opposition who sit at the top of the league, with a positive result crucial to avoid relegation.
Town:
Faye Hazelton
Beth Stanfield
Beth Ibbotson
Kate Mallin 63’
Caz Fields
Ria Montgomery
Rebecca Beresford 83’
Yasmin Mason
Charlotte Gill
Sarah Tweede
Layla Proctor
Subs:
Lauren Joyce
Scarlett McMahon
Serena Fletcher 63’
Ashley Tiripike 83’
Eleanor Lambert
