Huddersfield Town Women player ratings from derby victory against Leeds United
Katie Astle bagged a brace, as Town beat Leeds United 2-1, securing the double over their local rivals
Kacey Bolton-Woollam - 6
Had plenty of the ball at her feet throughout - playing with fire at points, coming very close to putting Town in trouble. Potentially could have reacted quicker to press Woodruff before Leeds’ goal.
Autumn Housley - 7
Came across from right-back to make a crucial block when the game was still goalless. Hungry in her pursuit for the ball but disciplined in her positional sense. A strong all round performance.
Beth Stanfield - 6
Back in the familiar duo alongside Ibbotson. Left her partner exposed on the couple of occasions that she stepped out of defence. Still dealt with the majority of Leeds attacks.
Beth Ibbotson - 7
Carried the ball through the thirds, making Town’s transitional play look a lot easier. Matched Leeds’ physicality, bouncing them off the ball at every opportunity. Plenty of talking, encouraging the side to see out the game.
Yasmin Mason - 6
Valiant defensive display, flying into challenges left, right and centre. Deserving of compliments for remaining patient and not wanting to get forward for all of Town’s attacks. Got her reward, pushing onto the left wing for the last 15 minutes.
Ella Duffield - 8
Arguably her best performance of the season. Ran the show in the midfield, constantly winning the ball, carried it with ease and distributed efficiently. Managed to be in the right place at the right time consistently. Had no problems taking on two, and sometimes even three players in the midfield.
Caz Simone - 6
Tucked into the left back slot when Mason pushed further forward. Partnered up well alongside Duffield. Kept the structure of the midfield tight but still dynamic.
Charlotte Stuart - 7
Created enough room between her and Leeds defender in the box, forcing a mistimed lunge, resulting in a penalty for Town. Ended up in battle in the middle of the park. Simultaneously getting kicked and doing her fair share of the kicking. Don’t mind it.
Rebecca Beresford - 8
Impressively forced a turnover deep in the Leeds half, nicking the ball and then feeding it to Astle to score. Put in a shift on the right wing, and then doubled down with her impressive work rate playing the last 15 minutes at left-back.
Katie Astle - 8
Put Town ahead with a low left footed strike - helped by a deflection. Confidently slotted her second goal in from the penalty spot. Worked incredibly hard for 85 minutes, earning a warm round of applause as she left the field. Looks like she truly fits into the side now.
Kate Mallin - 7
Three guarantees in life; Death, Taxes, Spectacular Mallin set-pieces. Delivery was of the highest standard as usual. Knew exactly when to hold the ball up and wait for the runners.
Substitutes
Molly Firth (for Mallin 79) - Displayed some fancy trickery to deceive her opponents. Brought the boost that Town needed in the press. 6
Scarlett McMahon (for Astle 85) - N/A