Words: Jack Vernoum and Oliver Eaton. Pictures by: Jess Hornby
Two late strikes from Laura Elford and Brittany Sanderson saw Huddersfield Town Women FC progress in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup to set up a tasty home clash with Everton Women in the fourth round.
The Terriers left it until the 89th minute to go ahead through Elford before Sanderson made it 3-1 with a stunning stoppage time free-kick to seal a 3-1 home victory over Loughborough Lightning.
The win means Everton will come to the Stafflex Arena on Sunday January 30.
In a tight first half Ria Montgomery and Lucy Sowerby were both denied by saves from Lightning keeper Kiya Webb.
Town’s breakthrough came in the 48th minute when Sanderson took advantage of a mis-hit goal kick and was finally able to beat Webb to break the deadlock. The lead didn’t last for long, though, as a direct free-kick from wide allowed the visitors to equalise as the ball sailed over everyone’s heads and into the back of the net.
Town kept pushing for a winner but had to be patient and their determination eventually paid off as Elford got onto the end of a Kate Mallin cross to make it 2-1 a minute from time.
Sanderson then put the result beyond doubt with a fierce free-kick three minutes into added time.
Town coach Kamran Hussain said: “We scored some good goals, even if they did come later than we thought.”
The game was also dedicated to Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign. The club wanted to thank Huddersfield Town for donating their LGBTQ+ corner flags previously used at the John Smith’s Stadium against Coventry City.
Town Women also welcomed ‘Proud Terriers’ to the Stafflex Arena to watch the game.
Town Women are back in action next week against Loughborough Lightning (again), as the Terriers look to progress into the next round of the FAWNL Cup.
