Joyce heroics help Town to shootout victory
On a pitch that did not allow for either side to maintain possession, the game would be decided outside of the 90.
Caz Simone scored the opener but the Belles struck back to take it to penalties, with Lauren Joyce saving two of them to book a place in the County Cup Semi Finals for the visitors.
First Half
The game started with both sides struggling to keep possession, with a poor playing surface not allowing either team to get going.
It took until the eighth minute for the first chance of the game, which fell to Molly Firth after a good ball over to the right side of the box by Ashley Tiripke. Firth cut in on her left foot and curled just wide.
The game was mainly being played in Doncaster’s half, but Town were struggling to test Sharpe in goal.
In the 24th minute, the Belles had a free kick comfortably collected by Lauren Joyce, who moments later was quick off her line to smother the ball after a dangerous delivery over the top of the defence.
The game went back to being a sloppy affair though, with neither side able to string more than a couple of passes together.
The last real chance of the half came in the 34th minute, with Doncaster having a shot dragged well wide, not troubling Joyce.
Half Time: Doncaster Belles 0-0 Huddersfield Town
Second Half
The opening stages of the second 45 were dominated by the hosts, but Town’s defence stood firm and did not allow Joyce’s goal to be troubled.
Glen Preston’s side did get going ten minutes into the half, with a scramble just inside the box falling loose to Simone who’s strike flew well over the crossbar.
However it was Simone who put the Terriers ahead, Scarlett McMahon shifted the ball over the defender, with Caz able to run onto it and lob the keeper just inside the area.
Preston rang the changes with Katie Astle, Yas Mason, Kate Mallin and Fliss Jones all on. Clearly looking to make sure of the victory.
The win was almost sealed as a Mallin corner was met by Bethany Ibbotson, who could only glance it wide.
With just over ten minutes to go, Doncaster levelled after a long ball took an awkward bounce over Joyce which the Belles were able to capitalise on after a scramble in the six-yard box through Holly Findlay.
The game was not done there though with Serena Fletcher’s dangerous delivery across the six yard box being poked marginally wide by Astle.
In the last minute Astle had another chance from close range, this time it was blocked before Beresford hammered it over.
Penalties were due next and it was off to the worst possible start with Katie Astle firing wide of the bottom right corner.
Doncaster looked calm and composed, with Joyce having no chance until the Belles fourth penalty.
Marelle Carlisle stepped up but was denied by Joyce who got down low to keep Town in the tie. Ibbotson stepped up next to bring it back level.
Both sides continued to slot home from twelve yards until Laila Abadi stepped up for the seventh penalty.
Abadi aimed for the bottom left but was denied thanks to a great save from Joyce who was able to tip it onto the post.
Ella Duffield stepped up next and made no mistake securing Town’s place in the Semi Finals.
Full Time: Doncaster Belles 1-1 Huddersfield Town (5-6 Pens)
Substitutions:
62′ Fliss Jones, Yas Mason, Katie Astle, Kate Mallin (Molly Firth, Scarlett McMahon, Ashley Tiripke, Beth Stanfield)
Goals:
60′ Caz Simone (Scarlett McMahon) 0-1
79′ Holly Findlay 1-1
Next Game Info:
Cheadle Town Stingers travel to the Stafflex Arena next, with Glen Preston’s side hoping to finish the season as strong as possible.
Cheadle sit top of the table, level with Middlesbrough with only goal difference separating the two.
Match Report: Ben Thirkell
Photo Credit: Ben Thirkell
