Proud boss Glen Preston says Huddersfield Town Women FC have a platform to build on after attracting a record crowd of 1,168 to the John Smith’s Stadium for Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Everton.
The Terriers showed spirit and determination against top flight opponents but eventually went down 4-0.
Preston said: “We could not have asked for anything more from anyone, whether it be players or staff on and off the field to make the occasion as good as what it has been, it has been brilliant.
“It was a chance for more people to come and see what the Town Women are all about. The players showed they are about grit and determination, that tenacity and Terrier spirit. So hopefully a few more people will come down and see us on a regular basis.
“Hopefully this is a platform we can build on for the football club. We are delighted in how we have gone about our business.”
On the performance he added: “The scoreline is not something we are looking at, it’s the manner of the performance and I think every player from 1-17 was outstanding.
“The players stuck to the game plan as best they could. The early goal was a bit of a setback which it was always going to be. However whilst that could have knocked the players’ confidence we got into half-time and it was only 2-0.
“We created three or four decent chances and tried to play football at the right moments.
“Someone said to me it was the best scoreline a tier three side had got against a tier one side and so you can’t ask anymore than that.
“There is part of me that would have liked to have kept it to three but that goal at the end was world class.”
Town went behind in the opening four minutes when Anna Anvegärd pounced and were always on the back foot from there. Valerie Gauvin made it 2-0 before Kate Mallin went close for the home side.
Everton put the result beyond doubt just five minutes after half-time when Gauvin scored again.
The visitors were pushing for more goals, with substitute and England international Toni Duggan entering the field of play but she missed a number of chances. Everton, however, made it 4-0 a minute from time when Claire Emslie scored with a brilliant half volley.
Gallery of images by: SEAN DOYLE