Huddersfield Town Women player ratings from deserved win against Doncaster Belles
The Terriers put the game to bed in the second half as they beat Doncaster Belles 4-2 at home
Kacey Bolton-Woollam - 6
Produced a fine save low to her right in the first half. Had no chance when Jasmine Saxton took the ball round her and scored.
Autumn Housley - 6
Dealt with the physical battles all afternoon and was as important as ever in Town’s on the ball system, sometimes overlapping and sometimes inverting. Successfully operated in a higher role in the second half.
Serena Fletcher - 6
Had some difficult moments early on against the Belles frontline. Put in some crunching but fair tackles at important moments to keep the momentum with Town.
Beth Ibbotson - 7
Scored Town’s second, rising high to meet a Mallin set piece. Gave the ball away cheaply from a free kick inside her own half, offering a one-on-one to Saxton, who pulled one back for the Belles. Clearly frustrated with her error, she was on a mission to win every duel for the rest of the game, which she did.
Rebecca Beresford - 7
Almost played as a second left winger for the majority of the game, thus creating an overload that Town exploited well in the second half.
Ella Duffield - 6
Not the most notable player on the field but key to Town keeping the ball in tight areas and recycling possession. One where you would notice if she wasn’t playing.
Beth Stanfield - 8
Lovely finish into the bottom corner to get Town ahead. A true box-to-box midfielder, dropping deep to collect the ball, while making driving runs when Town went forward. Lofted a perfect diagonal pass into the box towards Stuart, who got Town’s third. Involved in most of Town’s forward moves, kick-starting the attacks.
Charlotte Stuart - 8
Won some flick on headers and was in the right areas of the box during the first half, but failed to connect with any crosses. It was a different story in the second half. Stuart brought down the ball wonderfully from a Stanfield cross and placed it into the net with her second touch. In the right place at the right time to get on the end of a goalkeeping error and double her tally for the afternoon. Could have had a hat-trick with a half volleyed effort before departing the field with a slight knock.
Leah Embley - 6
Caused real issues when she was able to pick the ball up on the right touchline and drive at the Belles defence. The problem was that her teammates rarely found her.
Yasmin Mason - 5
Town’s lone striker struggled against the Doncaster defenders. Often couldn’t contribute when Town did get into the box as she drifted out of it in attempt to get some time and space. Had a couple of golden opportunities in the second half, tearing down on goal, but managed to scoop them over the bar on both occasions. Started to get in behind and take advantage of tired legs later in the game.
Kate Mallin - 7
Set piece delivery was as effective as usual, resulting in an assist from an in-swinging corner. An outlet for Town in the second half, with a lot of play going down her wing.
Substitutes
Scarlett McMahon (for Mallin 70) - Had a couple of moments to use her strength, holding the ball up and keeping possession. 6
Molly Firth (for Embley 70) - Turned her defender inside out, though her final delivery left a lot to be desired. 6
Ria Montgomery (for Housley 70) - On the end of the best move of the game, her low effort required a sharp save from Belles goalkeeper. Got up and down to help with all aspects of play. 7
Charlotte Gill (for Stuart 75) - Struggled to replace the impact of Stuart, but was still functional in Town’s midfield. 6
Unused substitutes: Lauren Joyce