Town Women look to return to league action with a win
- Town Women vs Stoke City preview
- Game takes place on Sunday 27 February 2022; 2pm kick-off
- Town Players to Watch
Huddersfield Town Women are on the road again as they face Stoke City on Sunday 27 February 2022; 2pm kick-off.
Following several postponements, the Terriers will be looking to re-start their league campaign with a bang.
The hosts currently occupy the ninth place of the league table and come into the game on the back of three wins in all competitions – beating Sheffield FC, Brighouse and Sporting Khalsa (County Cup).
Last time out Town dominated the match at the Stafflex Arena. Kate Mallin opened the scoring for the Terriers with a well-timed shot from a rebound, before Britt Sanderson doubled Town's lead 10 minutes later.
Sanderson scored again just after the half hour mark, to give the Terriers a commanding lead. The visitors pulled one back before half time after Bethan Davies made a great save, only for the Potters to score from the rebound.
The second half saw Town applying more pressure to the Stoke defence. Serena Fletcher and Mallin both netted, giving Town an unassailable lead.
The Terriers will hope to repeat that victory when they are the visitors to Norton Cricket Club & Miners Welfare Institute. However, with Stoke’s recent form, it won’t be an easy feat.
Town Women’s Manager Glen Preston believes that Stoke’s table position doesn’t reflect the challenge they pose.
“There are a few teams who have significantly improved as the season has kicked on, Stoke is one of those sides.
“They are in great form at the moment, and so I expect a much tougher game than earlier in the season.”
“Over the years Stoke have always been a top five side and so there is always this feeling to me that they are in a false position and will eventually start to climb the table.
“They have some great players, pace up front and experienced heads at the back.
“Although we would love to emulate the score from our last encounter, the reality is that Stoke are more streetwise now and it will be a good, but close, game.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
After scoring a brace on home turf, Kate Mallin is certainly worth keeping an eye on. Valuable all over the pitch, she’s a threat in both defence and attack.
Katie Stanley in midfield tested the Potters defence last time out and will look to replicate that on Sunday.
Finally, Laura Elford scored a hat-trick in her last match. She will be looking to extend this season’s goal tally as she looks to be the Club’s top scorer.
HOW TO WATCH
The game will take place at the Norton Cricket Club & Miners Welfare Institute on Sunday 27 February; 2pm kick-off. Kick-off is subject to change depending on the pitch surface.
Can’t make the game? As always, online coverage of the match will be available across all HTWFC channels including minute-by-minute updates on our Twitter, @HTAFCWomen, plus match build up on our Instagram. Highlights will also be released following the game for fans to catch up on the action.
