Huddersfield Town Ladies beat AFC Fylde Ladies 1-0 at the Stafflex Arena on Sunday afternoon to move up to second position in the FA Women's Premier League North Division. 

Town put in a battling display against Fylde, with Lucy Sowerby scoring the match winner in the 36th minute.

There was very little action to speak about for most of the first half. Sarah Danby had the home sides first chance. She stole the ball off of the Fylde centre back, rounded the opposition keeper, however dragged her shot right across goal.

That effort came in the 23rd minute, and it wasn't until the 35th minute until Town got their next chance. Ella Harris lined up a shot from just outside the area, but the effort dipped wide.

The only goal of the game came a minute later. Sarah Danby's corner was played to Kate Mallin, who returned the ball to Danby who whipped it into the box, Sowerby rose tallest to power the header home.

Neither side produced any real chances in the second half. It wasn't until the last ten minutes when more clear cut chances came off. 

Cara Bickett headed over the bar late on from a Mallin byline cross, and Mallin had a shot herself which was cleared off of the line in the final moments of the fixture. The game ended with Town digging out a well earned 1-0 victory.

Town manager Ash Vickers was delighted with the way his side battled to get all three points on the day. 

He commented: "It was a different type of win today, we had to dig in and fight for every ball. 

"We had some opportunities through the game which we just didn't take. However in the end it was only the one goal that counted and we were the ones to get it. 

"We spoke at half time about keeping a clean sheet and although the girls had to put in some terrific last ditch tackles Carter in goal didn't have a lot to do. 

"We knew it would be a tough game today, we had to be clever and disciplined on the ball and I was pleased with our possession. 

"We want to go on now and be unbeaten, there's 21 points to play for before today. We got the first three on the board today, we are hungry to go and get the other 18."

Town left back Millie Turner was pleased with the victory, but insisted that the team must keep picking up those vital three points if they are to make it into the top two. 

She said: "I thought today's performance was great and the girls played really well. It was an important victory.

"We started brightly but then dipped, however after we got the goal we then felt really comfortable.

"They are a good side, but it's important that we carry on getting the three points. We want to keep the pressure on teams above us and keep a gap between us and the sides below us." 

On her own position Turner likes to be a forward thinking fullback and loves whipping crosses into the box. She insists scoring a goal is something she is looking to add to her game. 

She continued: "I like to get forward and see if I can help the team when we are attacking. 

"I think that's the type of player I am, I like to get into the oppositions half and try to make a difference. Scoring a goal is certainly something that is on my list of things I want to do next."

Town next play Stoke City Ladies away on 25th February, Town currently sit second in the league table on 27 points, whilst Stoke are only three points behind Ash Vickers side in fourth position. 

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Report by Steven Downes

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Mascot for the day was 10 year old Jude Mellor and she is pictured prior to the game with Millie Turner.

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