Town Women victorious at home
- Town Women win eighth successive game
- Goals from Laura Elford and Ria Montgomery
- Post-match comments from Women’s Manager Glen Preston
Huddersfield Town Women moved up to third in the league table after a tough 2-0 win over Middlesbrough Women at the Stafflex Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The game got off to a slow start with neither side really able to get a foothold in the game.
As half-time loomed Town had several good chances to open the scoring, but were denied by Rosie Todd, Middlesbrough’s ‘keeper. Laura Elford in particular had a very good chance after the defence were caught in possession, but her shot was saved expertly.
On the stroke of half time, Huddersfield were awarded a penalty when top scorer Brittany Sanderson was knocked to the floor. She would later take the penalty hitting the ball to the left, only to be met with a fantastic Todd dive to deny the game’s opener.
Town started the second half as they had finished the first when Elford created several strong chances, including one that just narrowly went over the bar.
However, it wasn’t long until she found the back of the net just after the hour mark. Following a promising attack by the away team, Town cleared and launched a counterattack with the ball finding its way to Elford, who cut in from the left and smashed the ball home at the near post to open the scoring.
There was a short riposte from the opposition as a header from a free kick was glanced wide, but Town swiftly regained control of the game and it wasn’t long until Ria Montgomery doubled their lead as she put the ball into the net from a Kate Mallin cross on the left-hand side.
The game seemed to fizzle out as the Terriers denied Middlesbrough any other clear-cut chances, ending the game with a clean sheet and building onto their momentum as they now prepare to face local rivals Brighouse Town on the back of eight straight wins.
Women’s Manager Glen Preston was impressed with the resilience his players had shown to get the win.
‘Middlesbrough put on a lot of fight today, but ultimately I do feel as though we deserved the win in the end.
‘Since we’ve come in the defence has been superb, but it’s a collective effort not just the back four or goalkeeper, it’s absolutely a collective effort’
Just a week away from the historic Vitality Women’s FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Everton at the John Smith’s Stadium – Town travel over the M62 to face local rivals Brighouse Town at the Yorkshire Payments Stadium on Wednesday 26 January 2022.
Picture by Jess Hornby