A second half goal from midfielder Charlotte Stuart saw the Terriers keep their 100% start to the new FA Women’s National League Division One season.
Huddersfield Town Women came into their first home game of the league season having beaten Leeds United 2-0 on Derby Day the week prior. Town’s visitors Stockport County Ladies also got off to a positive start on matchday one, when they defeated Norton & Stockton Ancients.
The first half was a positive showing for the Terriers, with the side having chances to break the deadlock. On the 12th minute, attacker Molly Firth showcased tricky wing play to burst into the left-hand side of the box and unleash a shot towards the front post, but Stockport goalkeeper Lucy Farrell got down to make the save.
Town’s next clear-cut opportunity was just after the half an hour mark when Kate Mallin swung in a corner that met the head of Stuart – who headed on target. However, Farrell was equal to the save before the referee blew his whistle for a foul on a Stockport player inside the box.
Later in the half, midfielder Ella Duffield sent a ball over the top of the Stockport defence which was captured by Leah Embley. The forward burst into the box with pace and hit a right-footed effort which was blocked wide. Embley’s attempt after 36 minutes was the last significant moment from opening 45.
The visitors grew into the game during the second half and had multiple chances to take the lead. Natalie Watson crossed the ball into the box to Lily Weston, the latter had an effort crash against the crossbar and drift away. Moments later, Kenedy Owen received the ball 25 yards out and fired over.
Kacey Bolton-Woollam was called into action as the second half went on, but she remained focussed to keep Stockport out. Two stand out saves from the goalkeeper included a firm capture from an Emily Bradshaw shot from distance and a fingertip save to deny Chloe Fisher from opening the scoring.
Huddersfield’s winner came on the 63rd minute, after sustained pressure in the Stockport box, the ball fell to Stuart on the edge, who improvised to poke an effort towards goal and past Farrell.
Town nearly doubled their lead ten minutes later when Mallin was played through into the box and fired a right-footed shot at goal that Farrell tipped wide. The following corner was met by Autumn Housley, with the Town player having a shot that Farrell captured.
Glen Preston’s side hung on to take all three points and will now look ahead to a double header next week, as the Terriers host Doncaster Rovers Belles in the FAWNL Cup on Thursday. Then Town are visited by Norton & Stockton Ancients on Sunday in the league.
Goals:
63′ Stuart
Substitutions:
58′ Mason (Firth)
69′ Beresford (Embley), Montgomery (Devins)
84′ Malin (McMahon)
Photo Credits: MachinSports
