Beth Ibbotson scored on the stroke of half-time to set up Huddersfield Town Women’s opening day ‘derby’ victory over West Yorkshire rivals Leeds United.
Ibbotson headed home a Kate Mallin corner to put Town in the driving seat before Molly Firth scored on her debut late on to clinch a 2-0 win at the Bannister Prentice Community Stadium in Garforth.
It was the perfect start to the season in WNL Division 1 North after relegation last term.
From the off Mallin, the club’s longest-serving player, looked dangerous out wide supplying crosses into the box. One was met by Caitlin Devins who headed just wide.
Skipper Beth Stanfield set up Ella Duffield at the far post but the new signing’s header went over the top.
The Terriers broke the deadlock in first half stoppage time when Ibbotson rose above her marker to brilliantly head home Mallin’s corner.
Leeds pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half with Ellie White twice going close. First she fired just wide before another effort struck the post and went behind.
Town held firm, however, and in the 90th minute the points were secured when Leah Embley set up Firth to make it 2-0 and the celebrations could begin.
Words: Joe Cooper
Image: Nathan Lewis
