Mallin volley makes it back-to-back wins
It was a game that was tighter than anticipated but Kate Mallin’s second half strike helped Town over the line to make it three wins in their last four league outings.
First Half
Town started positively, with Mallin setting up Caz Simone from a corner, but the volley sailed over the bar.
The hosts were defensively sound, making it difficult for the visitors to break them down, despite committing bodies forward. This was almost costly as AFC Fylde looked to utilise the counter attack.
Imogen Borrowdale found themselves through on goal, with Beth Ibbotson doing her best to stop the attack, it was Kacey Bolton-Woollam to the rescue, making a smart save to keep the scoreline goalless.
Simone once again had a chance to give Town the lead, another volley which went just wide after a clever little flick over the defender by Charlotte Stuart.
Half Time: AFC Fylde 0-0 Huddersfield Town
Second Half
It was a bit of a scrappy opening to the second 45, with Fylde showing the first real moment of quality in the half. Karri Chan found the ball at their feet rather fortuitously, with their effort hitting the post and going out for a goal-kick.
Fylde did have the ball in the back of the net but much to the relief of Glen Preston’s side it was ruled out for offside.
Ashley Tiripke was on shortly afterwards, which coincided with Huddersfield starting to regain control in the game.
The opener finally arrived through Kate Mallin, with a great delivery from Autumn Housley finding Mallin in the box, who’s volley crashed in off the under side of the bar.
Town looked to add a second through Katie Astle, who struck the frame of the goal with just under ten minutes to go, which would have been her third goal in the last two games.
In the dying embers, Fylde had one last attempt to rescue a point, but Nicola James audacious effort from range went narrowly wide.
A clean sheet and back-to-back wins was sealed with the referees whistle, as Town look to finish the season strongly.
Full Time: AFC Fylde 0-1 Huddersfield Town
Substitutions:
56′ Ashley Tiripke (Molly Firth)
67′ Serena Fletcher (Caz Simone)
78′ Scarlett McMahon (Kate Mallin)
Goals:
63′ Kate Mallin (Autumn Housley)
Next Game Info:
Town host SJR Worksop in the next round of the County Cup on Sunday 16th March at the Stafflex Arena with a 2pm kick off.
As defending champions, Town will be hoping to get through and take a step closer to retaining the trophy.
Ticket cost:
Adults:£6
Concessions:£4
Kids:Free
Match Report: Ben Thirkell
