By Matthew Stephens
Winning the trophy marks a second cup success in a row for the Terriers, who will be going into next season with a very healthy confidence boost after their 3-2 victory over Doncaster Belles under the stands of Hillsborough.
Huddersfield went into the game as cup holders having beaten the same opposition in the final last year, with hopes to end a difficult season on a high note with some silverware.
Town ensured they started the faster of the two sides, playing Yasmin Mason in one-on-one within the first minute of the game, though the keeper was able to rush out and block her effort.
Just four minutes later Mason found herself with another chance, but again the keeper came out on top.
Cara Fields saw an effort from the edge of the box fly over the bar, before Doncaster took control of the game for a few minutes and pinned the Terriers in their own half.
Huddersfield quickly resumed their positive attacking football, which saw Yasmin Mason’s 25-yard screamer put the girls ahead in the 18th minute of the County Cup Final.
The Rovers had a big chance in the 32nd minute, a well-whipped-in ball was met by their striker’s header, but she couldn’t keep it on target.
Town will be wondering how they didn’t double their lead in the 43rd minute after what could’ve been mistaken for pinball in the box, falling to the Terriers’ attackers on multiple occasions, but they were never able to capitalise.
Half time saw the sides go in with Huddersfield leading 1-0, no doubt in high spirits ahead of what would be a massive second half for the girls.
It took 10 minutes of the second half for Doncaster Belles to equalise, the first time shot looping over Faye Hazelton after Huddersfield couldn’t clear their lines.
A mazy run from Charlotte Gill lead to her being fouled near the edge of the box from which she required medical attention on the pitch side.
Mason doubled her tally for the day and reinstated the lead for Huddersfield in the 70th minute following an excellent cross from Kate Mallin.
She was first to the ball in the middle of the box and was able to confidently dispatch her header into the left side of the net.
Montgomery went down injured for the second time of the game in the 74th minute, with fitness concerns certainly on Glen Preston’s mind following a busy few months of action and considerable fixture congestion.
There was a chance in the 78th minute for Yasmin Mason to seal her hat-trick as she was played in behind, but her touch was just too heavy, and she couldn’t beat the Rovers keeper.
Doncaster Belles found the net in the 85th minute, the loose ball fell to their striker who’s first time driven shot found the bottom right corner despite Hazelton’s best efforts in getting a fingertip to the ball.
Yasmin Mason made sure to bring the late drama, her high press stealing possession from the last defender before running free and confidently sending the ball into the net in the 91st minute.
Her late heroics didn’t just seal a cup final hat-trick for the striker, but also a second Sheffield & Hallamshire County Cup in a row for Huddersfield.
Thank you to all our fans who have supported Town during another incredible cup run, we couldn’t have done it without you!
