HTAFC Women drawn against own Development Team in Cup Semi-Final
- Huddersfield Town Development Team vs HTAFC Women
- Semi-Final of Sheffield & Hallamshire County Cup
- Watch the game at Stafflex Arena, Thursday 7 April
Both Huddersfield Town Women clubs (first team and development team) have met each other in the County Cup semi-final with a place in the final at stake.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm on Thursday 7th April at the Stafflex Arena. Tickets can be purchased on the day - Adults £5, Concessions £3 and U18 Free.
HOME: DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Last time out in the County Cup, Town Women Devs were against AFC Bentley Academy Women. The quarter final match never took place, and the Devs were given a bye to progress to the semi-final. In the fourth round the Town Women Devs were against Harworth Colliery. Town Women Devs dominated the lower league team putting four goals beyond their 'keeper. Town Women Devs are unbeaten in the FA Reserves Northern Division, winning 1 and drawing two of their 13 fixtures.
HTAFC Women’s second team have five games in hand on Chorley who sit at the top of the league, only six points adrift from top spot with a better goal difference.
AWAY: FIRST TEAM
Huddersfield Town Women left it late to progress to the semi-final of the Sheffield & Hallamshire Women's County Cup. Playing against Doncaster Rovers Belles, Laura Elford took the ball from the halfway line and managed to get a shot off, which was parried by the Belles keeper into the back of the net in the 75th minute.
Huddersfield Town Women are fifth in the FAWNL Premier Division North. The Terriers have won one and lost one of their last two league matches. Both were against the top two sides. Defeating then second placed Fylde Women 5-1 to gain a vital three points, then suffering a narrow defeat to top of the table Wolverhampton Wanderers Women 2-1.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sian Gibrill-Keating has scored in every game she has played so far in 2022. That is nine games, and at least one goal in each game. Gibrill-Keating will be trying to extend that to double figures with at least one goal this Thursday.
For the first team, Laura Elford is the player to watch. The forward scored a hat-trick mid-week against Fylde. Elford will be hungry for more goals, having not been part of the Wolves squad due to injury.
Falone Sumaili may get her chance to shine for the first team after making several promising appearances from the bench. The Burundian striker will have a chance to face her regular team having scored multiple goals for the development team throughout the season.
Development Team Manager Alan Eastwood said:
“The main thing from the game is that we have absolutely nothing to lose. We just need to go onto the pitch confident in our own ability and enjoy the challenge.
“Nothing will change in the terms of the way we approach the game. All I ask is that the players give everything they have got, like they have done for a large majority of the season."
First Team Coach Kamran Hussain said:
"The approach, mentality and training is the same as any other opposition we come against. An opportunity for silverware is the end goal, but there are still a few hurdles and challenges in our way
“The Devs team are full of young talented players, who will definitely be up for the occasion, and to show what they are made of. So there is no complacency on our part. It's our goal to achieve silverware, so this is the next challenge we must overcome.”
Can’t make the game? As always, online coverage of the match will be available across all HTAFC Women channels including minute-by-minute updates on our Twitter @HTAFCWomen, plus match build up on @HTAFCWomenDevs. Highlights will also be released following the game for fans to catch up on the action.