Huddersfield Amateur Ladies manager Richard Brearley has been pleased with the progress of the club’s second team despite playing in a difficult league. He is also happy to see the first team turn a corner after some sticky results.
The month of February was disrupted due to the weather with both the first and second teams only managing two games each.
On the last month, Brearley said: “I am extremely proud of the progress we have made this season. Our second team is improving with each game in an extremely difficult league.
“With a huge gulf in the level of opposition from week to week it’s difficult to keep the team’s spirits up. It makes absolutely no sense to me in having elite teams in the 3rd division, but it is the hand we are dealt. We prepare the best we can, and to the players’ credit they have hit the season head on.
“Our first team have hit a sticky patch but there are real signs they are now turning the corner. We are working to build the self belief back that saw the team positioned top of the league at Christmas.
“New signings Shannon Larkin and Dee Dixon are settling in nicely giving us more options on match days. The arrival of experienced midfielder Jade Tynan from Bradford Park Avenue will bolster the squad for the remainder of the season.
“The future is bright and we have a great mix of experience and youth which will set us in great stead going forward.”
The HAFC 2nd team started the month away to Kingsley Boys. A fixture that promised lots and delivered too. Huddersfield showed great spirit, strength and determination as their defence held firm while the forwards looked creative. Captain Lara Abbott controlled midfield earning her the Superior Eco Lighting player of the match award.
New signing Maryam Khan is starting to look really good as she settles into the team. Goals from Maddy Rodd, Kacey Buckley and Emily Lovett secured the 3-0 victory.
The Amateurs first team gave away home advantage to play at a neutral venue as the weather took a turn for the worse in their first game of the month. It took the very best version of HAFC to beat a determined Farsley Celtic devs in the League Cup.
Lindsay Henry scored her first ever goal for the Ammers, that was backed up with a well worked goal from Skipper Amy Hemblys. Caitlin Walsh rounded off the first half scoring with a wonder goal from 30 yards.
The second half Farlsey attacked with real intent, however Huddersfield stood firm with their defence resolute. Tiegan Rowley earned herself the Town Hall Dental Player of the match award with an inspired performance in an unfamiliar left-back position. A credible 3-0 victory saw HAFC progress into the League Cup Quarter Finals against Premier League Lower Hopton.
The HAFC Ladies 2nd team faced Kingsley again two weeks later as the weather halted all fixtures for a week. It was another thrilling game. Once again Abbott and Lovett were on the scoresheet.
Finally, HAFC first team woes on the road continued as they faced Skipton away. A lacklustre performance from Huddersfield combined with a ruthless Skipton saw the Sky Blues beaten 3-0.
The February player of the month awards for HAFC went to Tiegan Rowley and Emily Lovett.
