Middlesbrough take all three points at the Stafflex
A game spoiled by poor weather conditions saw Town beaten for just the third time at home this season.
Armani Maxwell’s corner found its way into the back of the net and was the only goal of a tight contest.
First Half
It was a half where Town had to battle a resilient Middlesborough defence as well as the difficult weather conditions. The wind and slick surface making it hard for either side to get a hold of the ball.
The game began as a scrappy affair, but Town enjoyed the majority of the possession early on. Kate Mallin and Rebecca Beresford enjoyed some good play down the left throughout the half but weren’t able to create any clear-cut chances.
Charlotte Stuart was playing a significant role in Town’s attacks, being allowed a lot of space in the middle to string passes together.
The visitors looked to play balls over the top on the counter, but Serena Fletcher was there to pick up the pieces.
A chance fell Town’s way courtesy of a well-delivered Mallin corner; the ball hit into a big group of bodies round the penalty spot when the ball rattled the crossbar from a Stuart header. Just before halftime though the visitors had a real good chance of taking the lead. Boro found themselves two-on-two, a ball squared across the box to Gibson just sailed over the bar with Fletcher appearing to just do enough to disrupt the striker.
Half Time: Huddersfield Town 0-0 Middlesborough
Second Half
Similar to the first half, the weather conditions meant it was a scrappy start from both sides.
Boro began to get a few shots from range to try and test Kacey Bolton-Woollam but the Town keeper had them all covered.
With the visitors beginning to grow into the game after the break, they eventually took the lead.
A freak goal with the high winds playing a big part; after winning a corner Armani Maxwell whipped in the corner and the ball managed find its way into the back of the net.
Now behind Town and Glen Preston turned to their bench to try and rescue a point.
Yaz Mason, Caz Simone, Molly Firth and Scarlett McMahon all came on to aid the flurry of attacks.
Both Simone and Mason could’ve scored late on. Mason managing to find herself on the end of a through ball intended for Katie Astle but the Boro keeper managed to get big and low to keep the visitors ahead.
Simone picked up a half chance in the dying minutes, striking the ball on the half volley after a poor clearance but the shot was just dragged wide.
Middlesborough were able to withstand the late attacking efforts from Town to hold onto a vital three points to take them level with Cheadle Town at the top of the table.
Full Time: Huddersfield Town 0-1 Middlesborough
Next Game Info
Town are back at home on the 2nd March when they host West Yorkshire rivals Leeds United. The game will see 4th vs 5th, with a win taking Glen Preston’s side level on points with the visitors.
Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the Stafflex, with tickets priced at:
Adults £6
Concessions £4
Kids Free
Substitutions:
80’ Yaz Mason (Leah Embley)
85′ Caz Simone, Molly Firth (Charlotte Stuart, Kate Mallin)
90’ Scarlett McMahon (Katie Astle)
Goals:
75′ Armani Maxwell
Match Report: Tom Hennigan
Photo Credits: Nathan Lewis
