Becky Flaherty pulled off a series of great saves on her return from international duty but couldn’t prevent Huddersfield Town Women FC slipping to a 3-1 defeat to promotion rivals Derby at the Stafflex Stadium.
The Northern Ireland stopper kept Derby at bay until the 22nd minute when Emily Joyce scored with a deflected free-kick.
Flaherty ensured it stayed 1-0 to the visitors at half-time and pulled off a superb save at the start of the second half.
However, Derby doubled the lead in the 49th minute in somewhat fortunate circumstances. Jade Formaston was credited with a goal after the ball hit the post and was adjudged to have crossed the line despite attempts to clear it.
READ MORE: Meet new Huddersfield Town Women FC chair Alison Bamforth
Town top scorer Brittany Sanderson struck her 10th goal of the season to give the Terriers hope when she fired home a 25-yard free-kick in the 70th minute.
Laura Elford went close for Town but it was game over five minutes from time when the home side conceded a penalty and Sherry McCue gave Flaherty no chance from the spot.
The Terriers are currently fourth in the women’s Northern Premier Division on 17 points. That’s five points behind league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Scroll through a gallery of images by Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE below
