Words: Khya Gott and Jack Vernoum. Images: Jess Hornby
Huddersfield Town Women FC have a local derby under the floodlights when they go to Brighouse Town AFC Women on Wednesday night – seeking a ninth successive victory.
The Terriers are counting down to Sunday’s big Vitality Women’s FA Cup fourth round clash against Super League side Everton at the John Smith’s Stadium.
But before then they must remain focused on league matters and manager Glen Preston warned his players not to get ahead of themselves.
“Winning streak or no winning streak the collective know it’s all about taking things on a game by game basis,” he said.
“We are firmly focused on who is next and we know Brighouse will ask many questions of us and vice versa.
“The group are fired up for the occasion, a midweek game under the lights. The expectations of everyone is always very high.
“The culture, the expectations and the drive this squad has shown is top class. Once all the preparations are done it’s time to perform under the lights in a pressure environment which this squad thrives on immensely.”
Town had a 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough at the Stafflex Arena last Sunday with Laura Elford breaking the deadlock in the second half before Kate Mallin set up Ria Montgomery for the second.
Brittany Sanderson saw her penalty brilliantly saved in a goalless first half.
Sanderson, however, is Town’s top goal scorer this season with 13 goals in 17 games in all competitions.
Brighouse have a prolific goalscorer themselves in former Terrier Leah Embley who scored a hat-trick last weekend to take her tally for the season to 19.
How to watch
Town fans will be able to watch the derby in person at the Yorkshire Payments Stadium in Brighouse, HD6 2PL. Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm with match updates on Twitter and Instagram at @htafcwomen.
