Champions elect Huddersfield Town U16’s successfully came through what was clearly their most challenging game of the season. Due to injury and holidays, Town started the game with only ten players and Sheffield Wednesday were going to take advantage from the off.

2 minutes in and the Town defenders had to prevent an attack down the left wing, only for the opposition to fire from distance that required a great save from Emily Brookes.

Town tried to respond and some clever play from Jemima Wood and Harriet Waller gave Harriet a shot on target that the keeper saved. A minute later and Harriet was on target again but this time hit the net, 0-1.

Wednesday came straight back at Town and came close when a cross was headed just shy of the goal. Town were starting to buckle and needed the quick thinking of the back four to intercept the wave of attacks. 20 minutes in and some much needed support from the Town midfield helped take the ball out of their own half to battle it out in the middle of the park. On occasion Wednesday broke through and Abi Crabtree was able to mop up. Despite the hard work Wednesday forced a corner on 23 minutes that when fired in rebounded, landed straight to an attacking player and belted back at goal where Emily had to stretch to force the ball against the post and away.

Town played out the rest of the half with equal determination.

 

Half time Town 0 - 1

 

Second half and Wednesday went straight on the attack again. Abi was on her game and intercepted two great passes to prevent the chances on goal.

On 66 minutes Gwen Hughes came close when she met a Zoe Laughton corner with a header that struck the post. Wednesday immediately went on the attack and needed a one handed outstretched save from Emily to push the shot wide. It was only a matter of time before Towns luck ran out and that was on 77m when a penalty was awarded against them.

Wednesday stepped up but were unable to get the shot past a determined Town keeper. Town needed to get some breathing space and did so with some great interlinking between Brodie Haigh and Harriet who’s play found Courtney Livsey and allowed her to fire past the keeper.

 

Final score 0 - 2 Town. Star player was awarded to the whole team for putting in such a determined performance whilst down to ten players.