Huddersfield Town Women play Doncaster Belles on Thursday (May 4) in the Sheffield and Hallamshire County Cup final. Club captain Kate Mallin is hoping they can retain the trophy and end a difficult season on a high.
Mallin has played over 500 games for the Terriers scoring 200 goals in a 17-year career, however she didn’t play in last year’s 5-0 County Cup final victory over Barnsley.
So this time around she is ready and raring to go for the game at Doncaster Rovers’ Eco-Power Stadium (7.45 kick-off). Fans can watch it live on the Town Women’s official YouTube channel.
Mallin said: “I’m really looking forward to the game. Playing in a final is a fitting way to end what has been a long season.
“Obviously we’d like to retain the trophy. I missed last year’s final and therefore I’m even more keen to get hold of the cup this time.”
Speaking about Town’s opponents Donny Belles, Mallin added: “Donny Belles are a good team and obviously have plenty of history.
“We played them earlier this season in the Women’s FA Cup and came away 3-0 winners but a lot has changed since then and we’re expecting a very tough match.”
Town Women are finding it harder to compete as other clubs with more financial muscle get stronger. The Terriers rounded off the league season on Sunday with a 3-1 victory over Loughborough Lightning and finished sixth in the table.
Mallin added: “After Sunday’s win and the performances of the last few weeks we’re in a better place than a couple of months ago so confidence is high going into Thursday.
“This season has been a difficult one. We started well but then fell away a little due to players leaving. The problem we face these days is that our rivals have full funding from their men’s teams and can easily attract players by offering financial incentives.
“In the end we finished sixth in the league and reached the 4th round of the FA Cup, the quarter finals of the League Cup and got into the final of the County Cup. Most teams would be happy with that but we want to be up there winning things and challenging at the top.”
Read all about last year’s final success below.
