The Development squad squandered the opportunity to move up to 2nd place in the table with a rare under par performance at home to a strong Sheffield Utd side.

 

Town had beaten their opposition 10-1 away from home early in the season but came up against a completely different set of players this time around.

 

Although Town played the game at their tempo they were unable to break down United in the first 45 minutes with too many through balls being over hit and decent crosses not being taken advantage of.

 

Town has keeper Izzy Pare to thank following a fine close range save before Beth Allen did everything right to turn home Tara Duce's pinpoint cross but the header was somehow tipped over the bar by the Blades stopper.

 

HT: 0-0

 

Its was much the same in the 2nd half with poor decision making and sloppy finishing ultimately beating them.

 

Katie Halligan, Molly Ellis, Duce all fluffed chances before Town were awarded a penalty 15 minutes from time when brilliant wing play from Amy Broomhead saw her brought down by the oncoming keeper. However Halligan stepped up and blazed the spot kick both high and wide.

 

Town were punished for not taking their chances when a Duce corner was cleared off the line and a minute later the ball was in the back of the Town net with the United strikers shot too powerful for Pare.

 

United sealed victory 5 minutes later with a 2nd powerful strike but it was a day to forget for Town as they head into next weeks game with Boro.

 

FT- HTLFC Devs 0-2 Sheff Utd

 

MOM: Rose Priestley