Debuting Alise Gindra inspires Huddersfield Town Women to winning start
The midfielder's brace and a late Beth Ibbotson header secured a routine win over Doncaster Rovers Belles on the opening day for Glen Preston's side
A brace from debutant Alise Gindra saw Huddersfield Town Women ease to an opening day three points at home to Doncaster Rovers Belles.
Gindra’s double and a late Beth Ibbotson header saw Glen Preston’s side pick up a routine win at the Stafflex Arena.
After a 4-0 reverse in the final game of last season against the Belles, Town started strongly to start the 2025/26 season in style.
Hannah Burgess and Louise Biggins began lively, forcing the Belles defence into action early on.
The first goal came with a hint of controversy on 11 minutes. A Biggins’ header appeared to hit the post from a corner before the Belles hooked it clear - however the linesperson flagged for another corner.
From the resulting set-piece, Ella Duffield’s pinpoint cross found Gindra who was given the freedom of the six-yard box to turn it home.
And from that point, Town were dominant.
Serena Fletcher found acres of space down the left, linking with Burgess on a number of occasions to set up chances for Biggins.
And down the right Molly Firth showed some neat play but could only fire her efforts over the bar or into the palms of Sharpe in the Belles goal.
It wasn’t long before it was two. Great play from Burgess saw her cut into the box and go down under a challenge. As she was tackled, Gindra reacted quickest to pick the ball up and rifle her second goal into the top corner from 18 yards.
As we approached half time, the visitors had a couple of chances but Bethan Davies - who won WSL2 with today’s opposition in 2018 - comfortably kept out efforts from Jodie Gregory and Abi Coley.
The second half started brightly for Town. Substitute Kate Mallin got onto the end of a ball over the top but her lobbed effort bounced just wide of the Belles goal.
Mallin then almost turned provider as her break set up the impressive Firth but her effort was superbly tipped behind for a corner.
In a half of few chances, Gindra, who moved to right back after Autumn Housley was replaced, expertly intercepted a Belles counter before setting up Biggins who could only shoot straight at Sharpe.
The only blot on the day for Town was a yellow card for Fletcher who was booked for stopping Arianne Parnham breaking clear on half way.
As time was drawing to a close there was another moment of controversy as Town hit their third.
Kate Mallin took a corner, only for a whistle to be heard as the delivery came in. The Belles defence stopped, but Ibbotson headed home at the back post; the goal stood.
Manager Glen Preston was very happy with his side after the win.
He said: “I’m delighted, mostly because of the manner we’ve won despite the squad being quite depleted today.
“To win 3-0 and control nearly every aspect of the game was really pleasing.
“We looked controlled in defence and we gained an extra gear in the final 20 minutes too.
“If I’m nit-picking we probably went direct a little too much but I’m not going to complain too much with a 3-0 win.
“Alise is brilliant. I wasn’t sure if she would have made the step up when she first came in, but the work she’s put in is excellent. She’s worked so hard that she’s started the first game of the season and bagged two goals”
Next up for Town is a trip to Blackburn Rovers in the WNL Cup on Wednesday evening.