Huddersfield Town Women player ratings from back-and-forth affair against Fylde
A Kate Mallin wonder strike was the difference for Town in their 1-0 victory in Lancashire
Kacey Bolton-Woollam - 7
Had everyone trembling when she lost the ball on the edge of her own box. Managed to recover the situation. Produced a fine save later in the first half, diving to her left and pushing the ball out for a corner. Claimed everything that came her way in the second half, instilling confidence throughout her side.
Autumn Housley - 7
Inverted into the midfield when Town were on the ball. Cautioned for a blatant block, halting a Fylde counter. Delivered a perfect ball towards Mallin at the back post for Town’s opener. Shifted into centre back for the final 30 minutes.
Beth Stanfield - 6
Started at centre-half, playing the ball around the back. Eventually, stepped up into midfield, adding more physicality in their for Town.
Beth Ibbotson- 7
Used her size and strength impeccably. Didn’t look to be in trouble at all across the 90 minutes. Great showing.
Rebecca Beresford - 6
Essentially operated as a wing-back. Despite spending of plenty of time pushing forward, she diligently performed defensively. Became more defensive-minded as Fylde went in pursuit of a late equaliser.
Caz Simone - 7
Stormed into the box to crash a volley over the bar, straight from a Mallin corner - not far away. Came close with another volleyed effort just before half-time. Was correctly replaced after making a few fouls in the second half
Ella Duffield - 7
She may have been the smallest player on the pitch, but it did not stop her from winning plenty of headers and loose balls. A key figure in Town’s improved on ball performance in the second half.
Charlotte Stuart - 6
Town’s shadow striker. Arriving late in the box but unable to get on the end of anything clear cut. Became more prominent, using her frame to bully the Fylde midfield.
Molly Firth - 7
Found acres of space out on the right. Looked good, beating her opponent with some tidy turns. Didn’t seem too confident when cutting back onto her left foot. Appeared to be struggling with a respiratory issue. Taken off just before the hour mark.
Katie Astle - 7
Enforced into dropping deeper in an attempt to become more involved in the game. Ended up on the left wing when McMahon was introduced. Leathered the ball against the post in the final 10 minutes - unlucky not to score.
Kate Mallin - 8
Ecstatically wheeled away after putting Town ahead with a scorching ‘Zidane-esque’ volley on the swivel. Would tuck into a more central position, allowing for Beresford to bound down the left flank.
Substitutes
Ashley Tiripke (for Firth 56) - Came onto the right wing, but played more central than Firth did. 6
Serena Fletcher (for Simone 67) - Went into the referee’s book almost immediately after her introduction for a bit of argy-bargy. 6
Scarlett McMahon (for Mallin 78) - Held the ball up well in the final stages. 6