Huddersfield Town Women defeat won’t overshadow a superb season
Town fell to a 3-1 defeat at home to Wythenshawe but got their hands on the title as they look forward to next season
Defeat? Who cares?
Well, Town do. A bit. Manager Glen Preston was determined to finish the season off with a good result but, as can be understood, his side didn’t really get going after the high of Wednesday night’s win at York.
You could call it mixed emotions after a poor performance but Preston admitted that he’s the ‘happiest man alive’ after Town got their hands on the FA WNL Division One North Trophy and their medals round their necks.
The game itself ultimately doesn’t mean anything apart from that the impressive visitors sealed fourth place in the league - their highest ever finish.
Laura Elford and Louise Biggins linked up once more for Elford to give Town the lead but Wythenshawe came roaring back and levelled through Rachel Dunlop just before half time.
Second half goals from Kirsty Chambers and Divine Obida sealed the win for the visitors but it wouldn’t take the gloss off what’s been a remarkable season for the Terriers.
It’s my first season covering this team and they’re one of the most impressive sides I’ve seen.
In a season that’s thrown everything at them, they’ve fought, battled and played their way through every barrier.
When it’s only a 22 game season, Town could have been forgiven for thinking their chance had gone after the loss to Leeds at the Accu Stadium in October. That result put them in the chasing pack with Leeds and Cheadle in the driving seat.
But, unlike previous years, this team don’t seem to understand the meaning of giving up.
Glen Preston and his support staff have worked wonders in developing a relentless and ruthless mindset in this group of players and it’s paid dividends.
Win followed win. Clean sheet followed clean sheet. Three points followed three points.
Since the turn of the year, there’s only really been one team winning the title and that’s what Town have gone and done.
They’re back where they belong. They’ll not settle for this promotion. They’ll see this as getting back to the foundation they set perviously. The work starts now.
A chance for redemption is next on the horizon with the Sheffield and Hallamshire County Cup Final acting as the curtain call for the season.
Town lost the final last season so will be hoping to regain their crown against Sheffield FC at the Eco Power Stadium on Wednesday night.
Then Town are in for a big summer. With the right level of support, and the right additions Town could be right up there. I doubt they’ll want to go up and just make up the numbers.
