Astle brace helps Town to Victory
Katie Astle was able to bag a brace in a tense encounter at the Stafflex Arena. An equalizer Via the boot of Amy Woodruff was able to slot in between Astle’s two goals.
However, with no second half goals, Town were able to stay resilient and see the match out 2-1.
First Half
Those in attendance were given a Yorkshire derby that would certainly live up to expectations.
A very early chance for Leeds down Town’s Left wing saw Darcy Greene pull back for Amy Woodruff but luckily their attempt dragged itself wide of the post.
Town were the ones under pressure in the opening minutes, However attempts to go forward were met by a string of offside decisions, with only their final ball letting them down. If they could get it right, their were certainly good signs for the rest of the game.
The signs turned into a breakthrough through the determination of Rebecca Beresford, not giving up on a ball trying to be chaperoned out on the right wing. Her resulting cross in for Katie Astle was finished off with a deflection on its way to goal. Quarter of an hour gone and town were in front.
Ten minutes later, Leeds responded with a hopeful ball over the top chased down by Amy Woodruff, with Kacey Bolton-Woollam unable to get there in time to smother. Back all square at the Stafflex.
The whites were trying to apply pressure but in a case of deja vu, Town went up the other end with Charlotte Stuart fouled in the box in the 32nd minute resulting in a penalty for the hosts.
Astle stepped up to bag a brace and moving back into the driving seat of the derby.
With the half drawing to a close, Leeds chances were only coming from the odd lapses in concentration from the home side. Town put on some late pressure with some set pieces but the half drew to a close with the Terriers in front.
Half Time: Huddersfield Town 2-1 Leeds United
Second Half
The second half commenced with Leeds having the better of it, garnering some set plays. Little came of these. In the 52nd minute Yasmin Mason was able to hit a deceptive cross that nearly caught the Leeds keeper out, who just did enough to claw it away.
The game was then played mainly in the middle of the park, with neither creating any clear cut chances.
One of the rare opportunities was in the 61st minute. A throw in delivered to Ruby Waldron passed it inside for Woodruff just inside the area. It flew just past the left post of Bolton-Wollam.
Drew Greene would have hoped she’d have made more of a chance after receiving the ball on the left of the box, with their effort meeting the block of Bolton-Woollam.
With the last 20 minutes to go Town were seeing out the game well and the pendulum had swung again. The Terriers looked like the ones to extend the lead rather than Leeds make it level.
All game the terriers midfield had dominated. A tenacious and technical performance from Ella Duffield was complimented by a great second half from Charlotte Stuart. When she wasn’t clearing up defensively, a calculated trick or a flick found its way into her game.
The game was petering out with Leeds not able to break down the solid Town defence. A couple of late set plays threatened to spoil the day but Town were able to deal with them well.
Full Time: Huddersfield Town 2-1 Leeds United
Substitutions:
79′ Molly Firth (Kate Mallin)
85′ Scarlett McMahon (Katie Astle)
Goals:
16′ Katie Astle (Rebecca Beresford)
25′ Amy Woodruff
33′ Katie Astle
Next Game Info:
Town travel to AFC Fylde next on Sunday 9th March which will be our first game on the road since our 2-1 win at Barnsley.
Keep an eye on our Instagram and X accounts for more details @htafcwomen
Match Report: Jacob Elomri
Photo: Nathan Lewis
