Late winner breaks Town hearts as Durham pick up three huge points
A late strike from distance by Durham’s Lucy Noble sealed a 1-0 defeat for Glen Preston’s Huddersfield side at The Stafflex Arena this afternoon.
After a fairly even game, the visitors earn themselves the win which sees them move just two points behind the Terrier’s.
First Half
It was an end to end start at The Stafflex Arena with both teams looking to get an early goal with the visitors countering at every opportunity.
Some good link up play down the right hand side between Katie Astle and Leah Embley caused issues for Durham early on.
A well delivered Kate Mallin corner brought in the first chance of the afternoon. Autumn Housley flicked the initial delivery towards the penalty area where Charlotte Stuart’s low driven effort was easily saved by the goalkeeper.
The Durham defence continued to struggle with Huddersfield’s crosses, Yasmine Mason’s cross caused problems for the goalkeeper who’s attempted clearance landed to the feet of Embley. The shot was blocked and cleared well by the Durham centre back.
Durham’s first dangerous attack came on the counter with Daisy Clarke being played in behind down the left flank, but a brilliant sliding challenge from Housley denied any chance on goal.
Towns corners continue to be a problem for the Durham defence, Stanfield getting on the end of another poor clearance, striking a shot on the volley, but the effort is straight at the keeper.
A great sliding challenge by Serena Fletcher denied a promising attack for the visitors.
Town won a free kick late on in the half which resulted in the best chance of the half. Astle flicked on the initial delivery to Rebecca Beresford who’s not able to get a clean shot off.
Half Time: Huddersfield Town 0-0 Durham Cestria
Second Half
Similar to the first half, both sides started with high intensity with Durham putting Town under pressure in their own half.
It was another half where there was a lack of quality in front of goal, with both teams delivering some dangerous balls into the area but to no avail.
The first chance of the half fell Durham’s way; after a poor clearance from a corner a miss-hit volley by one of the Durham players was hit high and appeared to be going over the bar however the ball somehow managed to stay in and hit the top of the crossbar with Town scrambling to clear their lines.
More half chances for Durham on the counter attack called Bolton-Woolam into action on a few occasions but the Town keeper wasn’t troubled too much.
It was much a similar story for Glen Preston’s side up the other end of the pitch as well. Some good build up play on the counter but lacking any quality for the final shot, giving the Durham keeper very little to worry about.
With the game getting scrappy and both sides making subs to try and snatch all three points, it was Durham who got luck on their side as they got a late winner.
Lucy Noble brought the ball forward and kept on coming unchallenged by the Town defence, eventually striking from around 25 yards out. The ball slipped through the gloves of Bolton-Woolam and the visitors were ahead with less than 10 minutes to go.
The final phases of the game, Durham defended with everything they had and even with the fresh legs of Molly Firth Town weren’t able to save a point.
Durham were able to hold on for a huge three points away from home and Town were left distraught after what was a very close game.
Full Time: Huddersfield Town 0-1 Durham Cestria
Glen Preston and his side are next in action when they travel to Norton & Stockton Ancients on the 9th February.
Substitutions:
66′ Bethany Ibbotson, Caz Simone (Ella Duffield, Yasmin Mason)
83′ Molly Firth (Leah Embley)
Goals:
85’ Lucy Noble
Match Report: Tom Hennigan
