Stuart goal helps Town to third straight victory
An own goal and a strike from Charlotte Stuart helped Huddersfield Town women to their third straight victory.
It would be an overall positive for Glen Preston’s side, but concern will be with Stuart, who hobbled off the pitch minutes after doubling her side’s advantage.
First Half
Town, like in most matches this season, had control through the first half, but their end product made work harder for themselves.
Ten minutes in, Yasmin Mason cut in from the left flank before laying off to Ella Duffield, who fired her shot wide of the target.
The home side had their opening chance at goal after a quarter of an hour, with some intricate passing leading to a through ball to striker Jess Holder. However, some good defending from Bethany Ibbotson saw the ball go out for a corner. Said corner lead to another chance with York managing to get a shot off after it was cleared, but it was no threat for Town keeper Kacey Bolton-Woollam, after it was fired over the bar.
The deadlock was broken 21 minutes into the match, as an own goal from Emily Cattle gave Town a 1-0 advantage. Caz Simone attempted to square a ball to Charlotte Stuart, but in trying to clear the ball the York defender guided the ball in to her own net.
Town had a chance to extend their lead, with Mason again pulling the strings. A dangerous cross from the winger looked to challenge York keeper Becky Sidwell, but Stuart was too far away for the cross to be converted.
The end to the first half saw debate sparked as five minutes from the break, Holder fired a shot at Bolton-Woollam. The keeper did well to parry the ball upwards, however the ball looked to find it’s way over the line.
The Town keeper reacted quickly, but the York players were adamant the ball had crossed. The referees agreed that the ball did not cross the line, so the scores remained 0-1 at the break.
Half Time: York City Ladies 0 – 1 Huddersfield Town
Second Half
The Terriers came out firing for the second half, and made their pressure and possession pay off five minutes in. Kate Mallin provided a great ball to Simone, who looked certain to score. They
instead held the play up well and passed back inside to Stuart who scored to double the advantage.
After a period of misplaced passes and unforced errors from Town, the home side got on the scoresheet. A cross from the left by Milly Ash found Grace Sykes unmarked. On the half volley, she fired the ball in the top left corner to half the deficit. After 51 minutes, Town led 1-2.
York almost drew level minutes later, with the home side causing threats from all areas of the pitch. Town, however, kept their composure and the scores stayed the same.
Just as Town started to take back control in the final quarter, attention turned to Stuart, who had to be helped from the field with an ankle injury. Her goal today was her 14th in all competitions this season.
A huge chance for Town to extend their lead came on 87 minutes as debutant Felicity Jones’ corner found the head of Ibbotson. The connection was a good one but it bounced off the post. After injuries and stoppages, the referee added 10 additional minutes.
Try as they might, York were desperate to get an equaliser but Town’s defence would not be beaten. After a couple of chances for City to score, the referee blew for full time and it was yet another victory on the road for Glen Preston’s side.
Full Time: York City Ladies 1 – 2 Huddersfield Town
Substitutions:
73’ Felicity Jones, Molly Firth (Rebecca Beresford, Kate Malin)
83’ Ash Tripke (Charlotte Stuart)
Goals
21’ Emily Cattle (Own Goal) – 0-1
51’ Charlotte Stuart (Caz Simone) – 0-2
68’ Grace Sykes (Milly Ash) – 1-2
Next Game Info:
Attention turns to a Mother’s Day meeting against Chorley, as Town look to close the gap between 3rd and 4th in the table. Chorley were 4-1 victors over Stockport County this weekend, setting up for a thrilling clash.
Match Report: Sam Brocksom
Photo Credit: Ben Thirkell
