Huddersfield Town Women player ratings from crucial 2-1 win at Barnsley
Town come back from behind to win their first league game in 2025
Lauren Joyce - 6
Stepped in for the injured Kacey Bolton-Woollam. Had a couple of nervy moments distribution wise, and came close to being punished by a lob more than once. Was unlucky that Jodie Gregory lofted the ball over her for Barnsley’s goal.
Autumn Housley - 7
Town’s most reliable player when they need to give someone the ball in a tricky spot. Creates space for herself, knowing exactly when to tuck in and when is best to find a some room. Strong showing.
Serena Fletcher - 6
Caught out on positionally and on the ball, which is unlike her usual self. Seemed more comfortable when playing in the more familiar partnership with Ibbotson.
Beth Stanfield- 8
Slotted back in to the side at central defence, leading the side, and getting the ball moving. Shifted to a central midfield role when Ibbotson came on. Crashed a half volley in from the edge of the box to give Town the lead - superb!
Yasmin Mason - 7
Quieter offensively than seen previously. Credit to her, it necessary with how high Barnsley were pressing. When it was possible for her to career down the left, she produced a sensational whipped cross into the box, right on the end of Astle’s head who nodded it in.
Ella Duffield - 6
Not her busiest game but did enough to make sure that the overall balance of the midfield leaned in Town’s favour.
Caz Simone - 6
Had plenty of the ball, and was comfortable with it 90% of the time - they looked a little hurried the other 10% of the time. Not an easy evening coming up against the frantic Barnsley midfield.
Charlotte Stuart - 6
Should have scored from six yards, after getting on the end of a Mallin free kick. Actually might have scored after following in on a save from the Barnsley keeper but the referee denied that it went over the line.
Leah Embley - 6
There were moments where she got free out on the right but she often had too much to do, either being left on her own or crowded out.
Katie Astle - 7
Had three chances to score in a matter of seconds early in the game, but her shot and two headers were all matched with saves from Rebecca Flaherty. Knows exactly when to drop deeper and link up attacks. Let out a cry after going into a crunching 50/50 challenge against Flaherty. Eventually got her goal, with a well directed header beyond the substitute goalkeeper Jess Horsley.
Kate Mallin - 6
The timing wasn’t working in terms of her runs down the left. More than likely should have an assist next to her name, after threading a free kick in between Barnsley’s keeper and defence, but Stuart couldn’t steer it home.
Substitutes
Beth Ibbotson (for Simone 65) - Barnsley didn’t have a sniff following her introduction. That says enough. 7
Rebecca Beresford (for Embley 74) - Played both on the right wing and at left back in Town’s comeback. 6
Ashley Tiripke (for Mason 87) - Came on late to see out the game. N/A
Scarlett McMahon (Astle 88) - Brought on as fresh legs to press. N/A
Molly Firth (Mallin 92) - Closed out the final seconds. N/A