Huddersfield Town Women ratings and reaction from romp over Donny Rovers
Huddersfield Town Women ratings and reaction from romp over Donny Rovers
Town come from behind to ease their way into the next round of the FA WNL Cup after beating Doncaster Rovers Belles 4-1
Once again, Town showed their colours after battling to come from behind to beat Doncaster Rovers Belles thanks to goals from Rebecca Beresford, Leah Embley, Ellie Lambert and an own goal.
Belles took the lead early on with a well timed header from Lindsey Tugby-Andrew.
However, Town were back on level terms six minutes later. Charlotte Stuart whipped in a gorgeous cross that Belles’ Millie Fugler could only nod into her own net.
Beresford got Town’s second after jumping on a spilt ball from Belles' keeper and tucking it in from distance. A well deserved goal in Beresford’s first start of the season.
In the second half, Embley fired in Town’s third with a cannoned strike just outside the box, that dipped into the net.
The fourth and final goal sealed it, as substitute Lambert was in the right place at the right time to stick the ball beyond the keeper and send Town into the next round.
Manager Glen Preston said, “The players remained composed, and carried on playing to their structure and game plan and I thought they executed it really well.
“We have a really good record in this competition - hopefully we will go as far as we can but we will keep using it to flex the squad and give opportunities.”
Player Ratings
Lauren Joyce - 6
Alert to the ball in behind her defence. Came out to sweep on a couple of occasions. Slightly fortunate not to concede after giving the ball away cheaply early in the second half but did well to recover.
Autumn Housley - 6
Functioned on the right of Town’s defence. Had a slightly nervy moment in the second half due to playing a loose pass around the back, but Doncaster couldn’t take advantage.
Beth Ibbotson - 7
Wise to everything that came near her. Not afraid to have the ball and beat her opposition with a drop of the shoulder. Continued her fine defensive form, looking comfortable at the heart of Town’s back line.
Ria Montgomery- 6
Played on the left of a back three, underlapping and overlapping to give Town another option going forward.
Rebecca Beresford - 8
Determined to break in behind. Scored Town’s second after capitalising on the keeper’s mistake and slotting the ball into the open goal from distance. Scorched her defender for pace, going from just in front of the Town dugout to the six yard area but just couldn’t squeeze it past the keeper’s outstretched leg
Beth Stanfield - 7
Operated in central midfield for the first time this season. Disciplined and dependable, both in and out of possession. Proved how content she is with the ball, playing a key role in Town’s structure.
Charlotte Stuart - 8
Nearly caught the keeper out with a lofted effort towards the back post that hit the crossbar. Crossed in the ball that Millie Fugler stuck in her own net to level the game. At home in Town’s midfield. Tapped in a rebound that would have been Town’s fourth but the offside flag was raised.
Leah Embley - 8
Smashed a few shots across the deck from distance in the first half. Thrived in the second half. Appeared to take on every player in Doncaster’s defence before having a shot blocked. Struck the life out of the ball from the edge of the box, the ball had too much pace for the keeper and dipped into the net for Town’s third.
Ella Duffield - 7
Found pockets of space between Doncaster’s defence and midfield. Persistent in driving with the ball or searching for a forward runner to slip in behind the back line.
Scarlett McMahon - 7
Town’s target forward. Fantastic work with her back to goal, receiving the ball and feeding it to her teammates. Throws her hat in the ring for a place in the starting XI this weekend.
Molly Firth - 7
Consistently Town’s outlet ball. Enjoyed picking up the ball and running at Doncaster’s right-back. Cuts back on her right foot and puts some devilish balls into the box. Unlucky not to score Town’s third, could have done with being a couple inches taller to head home, which in fairness we’re not sure she can do much about.
Substitutes
Kate Mallin (for McMahon 61) - Terrorised the opposition when coming on. Provided bags of energy in the final stages. Will be disappointed not to have scored after spooning a one-on-one effort wide. 6
Yasmin Mason (for Firth 61) - Caused issues with her pace on a few of occasions. 6
Caitlin Devins (for Montgomery 70) - Functioned at left back to see the game out. 6
Ashley Tiripke (for Embley 83) - Didn’t have too much to do. Caused a commotion in the box that lead to Town’s fourth. 6
Ellie Lambert (for Beresford 83) - Scored Town’s fourth goal. Showed composure when the ball dropped to her at the back post, where she prodded it past the keeper. 7
Unused substitutes: Caz Simone.
Up next for Town Women: Norton & Stockton Ancients visit Storthes Hall on Sunday for a 2pm kick off.