The Huddersfield Amateur Ladies are chasing the title in the West Riding County Women’s Football League First Division.
October was a tricky month with some good and bad results results and boss Richard Brearley said: “October was an eventful month for us. The 2-1 defeat against strugglers Hall Green was a reminder to all, how easy things can slip when you take your eye off the ball.
“Our coaches, players and supporters need to take positives from every game. This is still work in progress and we have a long way to go before we get to where we want to be. It will take time and commitment from all.
“The standards we have set ourselves are extremely high and when we deliver, we are extremely competitive. We need to try to maintain these standards, to ensure we keep pushing up this league.”
The month of October played out like this.
HAFC 3-1 Hepworth
Hepworth visited Old Earth at the start of the month, intent on reversing the result from a few weeks previous, when Huddersfield came away 5-0 winners.
Hepworth came on strong and took the game to the home side. HAFC dug in deep to secure a 3-1 win. Goals from Jade Tynan, Carly Doyle and a wonder strike from 30 yards from Hannah Robinson settled the tie. Hepworth were persistent with their play, and left feeling they deserved something from the game.
Farsley 1-5 Huddersfield
The Ammers then had to travel to Batley Sports and Tennis Club to play Farsley Celtic Juniors Ladies Reserves on a 3G pitch.
Playing on artificial pitches hasn’t always been good to HAFC, however they looked unstoppable this time around. Two goals from hotshot scorer Courtney White, a second goal in as many weeks for Carly Doyle topped off with a strike from Captain Amy Hemblys, meant the final score was 5-1 to Huddersfield.
Hall Green 2-1 Huddersfield
After playing Hall Green a few weeks previously, and despite a comprehensive victory, the Sky Blues were fully aware of the challenge at hand.
HAFC never got into their stride and looked unusually disjointed for much of the 90 minutes. Shannon Larkin opened the scoring as she swooped onto a low Amy Hemblys cross at the back post. This was one of the few highs in the game as Hall Green controlled much of the play and were well worth their two goals and the three points.
Huddersfield 1-0 Ackworth
A positive response was a must with Ackworth the visitors. The Ammers’ play in the first 45 minutes was exceptional as they looked well organised and determined to put on a show. Great team play and a quick, precise passing game kept Ackworth at bay in the first 45 minutes.
A Courtney White goal ensured HAFC went into the break at half time 1-0 to the good. The second half Huddersfield had to re-adjust as Ackworth threw everything they had at it. Huddersfield held firm and came away 1-0 victors.
The Second Team
Huddersfield Amateur Ladies second team started the month with an all-time best performance in a thrilling game against Crofton Sports Away. A 7-4 scoreline in a game where the forwards on both teams were on top.
A Emily Lovett hat-trick and player of the match award was well deserved. Sophie Pye, Kacey Buckley and Jess Harris all netted and there was a first ever HAFC goal for new recruit Chloe Proctor.
The second team then hosted Kingsley Boys FC Ladies. This delivered a second win on the bounce with an impressive 2-0 victory. Talented teen Ella Williamson became the second player in as many weeks to score their first goal. Kacey Buckley had her shooting boots on once again as she also netted.
Despite the good run of form, injury and absences caused HAFC to call off the next fixture against Athletico. A huge shame for all as this really is a game where progress could have been gauged.
A trip to Farsley Celtic Juniors Devs next and a 3-2 defeat. A great game nevertheless and one the Ammers could and should have come away with the three points had more players been available.
Jade McGillvary is enjoying a resurgence this season, scoring alongside yet another teenage sensation Kacie Pearce, who scored her first ever HAFC goal as she settles into the rigours of open age football.
Brearley said: “Both teams are coming on really well. The progress the seconds are making under the guidance of coaches Stephen Batley and Lara Abbott is fantastic. However, like the firsts, commitment is key. Absences on matchdays cost us far too often, however this is the nature of the beast and the reason we want large squads.
“We will continue to work hard and keep developing the Ladies teams. We have some exciting projects and ideas in the pipeline. Hard work is certainly paying off.”
