Huddersfield Town Women ratings from statement start at Leeds United

Glen Preston's side provided a strong display in the first game of the season as Town take three points in a 2-0 derby win

Kacey Bolton-Woollam - 6

Heart in mouth moment early on when the ball was taken from her feet by Leeds United’s Amy Woodruff, who couldn’t capitalise. Couple minutes later, confidently punched a free kick away helping her to settle into the game. Took a clattering in the second half, diving at the feet of Woodruff and getting a stray boot to the nose in the process. Took it well.

Ria Montgomery - 7

It almost feels illegal seeing the number nine shirt operating on the right of a back three. That being said, Montgomery was fantastic in the air when anything came down her side and was comfortable with the ball at her feet, often linking with the bank of midfielders in front of her. Shifted to left-back when Town changed their shape.

Beth Ibbotson - 9

Defensive masterclass from Town’s central centre-back. Didn’t put a foot wrong, seeming to win every challenge she faced. Got up high to connect with a Mallin corner to direct the ball into the top left of the net, scoring Town’s first goal of the season. Superb corner, smashing header.

Beth Stanfield - 7

Who doesn’t love an overlapping centre-back? In the first half, Town’s captain went marauding up the left side and crossed the ball towards Duffield who looped her header over the bar. Cleared the ball away from any danger and was a vocal leader for her side all game.

Caitlin Devins - 6

Played on the right side of midfield. Headed wide in the first half after a Mallin cross found her at the back stick. Dropped to right-back later in the game and continued her efforts up and down that side.

Charlotte Stuart - 6

Struggled a little in the first half, partly down to the referee not taking a liking to her: everything she touched seemed to be a foul in the official’s eyes. Really came into the game in the second 45 minutes, working alongside Fields, holding a strong structure and distributing the ball efficiently.

Caz Fields - 6

High energy on and off the ball in the middle of midfield. Won the ball back on numerous occasion and always looked to get Town on the front foot with forward passes. Chipped a fantastic ball over Leeds’ back line in the initial stages but the flag was raised against Duffield’s run into the box.

Ella Duffield - 7

Town’s number ten. Was unlucky not to score when her effort was cleared off the line by Leeds’ Olivia Smart, with Town scoring from the resulting corner. Perhaps should have got on the scoresheet earlier on as she couldn’t make the desired connection with her header from Stanfield’s cross. Had some lovely moments on the half turn, allowing her to find pockets of space between the oppositions midfield and defence.

Yasmin Mason - 8

Caused Leeds right-back Drew Green nightmares with her blistering pace down the left. Did ever so well to work her way into the box after a smart ball from Mallin, but couldn’t get the ball out of her feet for a shot before it was poked away. Did her duties off the ball, getting back to help out Stanfield a few times. Moved up front when Mallin departed.

Kate Mallin - 8

Often dropped deeper to collect the ball, having some lovely moments of link-up play with her teammates. Whipped a delicious cross in from the left, putting on a plate for Devins who headed wide at the back post. Got the assist she deserved, lofting a wonderful corner in towards goalscorer Ibbotson.

Leah Embley - 7

Acted as the first line of defence, pressing the Leeds back line throughout. Did well early in the first half to break in behind and play the ball across the box but the pass had too much on it to find the run of Mallin. Her good work continued when she moved onto the right wing following the change of shape. Assisted Firth’s goal late on, playing an inch perfect pass along the deck from the right.

Substitutes

Molly Firth (for Mallin 64) - Won her side a free kick immediately after coming on, taking her post on the left side of the midfield. Scored Town’s second late in the game, casually playing the ball into the bottom right corner after making a darting run in behind. 7

Scarlett McMahon (for Mason 82) - Came on late in the game to play as a target forward. Did well to hold up the ball. N/A

Rebecca Beresford (for Montgomery 89) - Played left back, doing her job in the closing stages. N/A

Autumn Housley (for Devins 89) - Functioned at right-back to see out the game. N/A

Unused substitutes: Lauren Joyce.