Huddersfield Town Women booked their place in the second round of this year’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup with a 3-0 victory over Doncaster Belles, of the FA Women’s National League Division 1.
Goals from Laura Elford, Autumn Housley and Kiera Heslam set up a clash with Durham Crestia at the Stafflex Arena on Sunday November 27 for a place in the third round.
The Belles gave the Terriers a test in the early stages but eventually Town’s class came to the fore and boss Glen Preston said: “It was a good performance especially in the second half. I thought we were in full control and played some nice flowing football.
“Doncaster were very intense and made the game frantic and chaotic. They were a well-organised side out of possession and it took us a while to settle. As the game progressed and once we settled I thought our class showed.”
Skipper Mia Parry, who set up the third goal, said: “Credit to Donny they gave us a tough first half. It was quite a back and forth type of game. However in the second half I thought we really took control of it. Overall it was a really strong team performance.”
Town went ahead inside the first five minutes when Kate Mallin, who went on to take the Player of the Match award, delivered an inch perfect cross for Elford to score at the far post.
Mallin produced another peach of a cross just before half-time and centre-back Housley timed her run and glanced a header into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
The Terriers wrapped up the victory midway through the second half when Parry set up Heslam for a powerful shot which took a slight deflection on the way in.
Town are back in action at the Stafflex Arena on Sunday November 20 as they welcome Sheffield United Community Ladies in the Sheffield and Hallamshire County Cup, a trophy they are defending.
