Huddersfield Town Women claim statement win at Stockport to mark huge Kate Mallin milestone
Huddersfield Town Women claimed victory over Stockport County under the lights in Kate Mallin's 600th appearance for the club
Huddersfield Town Women had a double celebration away to Stockport as they marked Kate Mallin’s 600th appearance for the Terriers with a three-goal victory.
Town had some strong chances against the opposition in the first half. Hannah Burgess, Kate Mallin and Molly Firth combined well in the first 10 minutes, with Burgess and Mallin’s moves up creating two early chances for Molly Firth that were well defended by the hosts.
Stockport didn’t get their first real chance of the match until close to the half hour, but hit the post to keep the stalemate intact until the break.
Burgess finally opened the scoring two minutes into the second half with a superb strike from long range, before Rhema-Lord Mears also found the net from outside the box with the hour approaching to double the lead.
Town had to be on their guard as Stockport pushed to get back into the game, but Louise Biggins killed the game off on 78 minutes after reacting fastest to seeing her lob over the keeper come back out off the crossbar.
Manager Glen Preston was impressed with the end result despite Stockport being a tough fixture. He said: “We had a good first half but we struggled to break them down. Stockport were resilient.”
Preston described Burgess as ‘top class’ after she continued her fine run of form with that spectacular strike — but there was no doubting this was Mallin’s night as she celebrated another incredible milestone.
The manager said: “What a legend. The loyalty shown is a rare commodity, she’s a top person all round as well. What an achievement for her, she deserves every accolade that she gets.”
After the match Mallin said: “We’re really pleased that we got the win. All the girls said congratulations and it was really nice. I said to the girls at half time, ‘'come on girls, I have an interview after this, so we have to win!’.”
Mallin noted that she has seen some of the younger players at the club rise through the ranks from a young age, saying: “Hannah [Burgess], who scored a screamer tonight, she was my mascot when she was in the under 10s, Molly [Firth] has been a mascot…so it is a nice feeling — but it makes me feel old!”
Mallin’s father and long-serving Town Women chairman David Mallin said: “I’m very proud. It has been a fantastic journey, she is doing well and keeping going."
Huddersfield Town Women will be at home for more league action on Sunday 2nd November, when they will face Chester le Street Town.
They have also been confirmed to face Leeds United Women at home for the second round of the FA Cup on Sunday 23rd November.