Can Town Women Make It Five Wins In A Row?

Huddersfield Town Women make the short trip to Sheffield FC this Sunday as they look to record a fifth consecutive victory.

The Terriers currently lie third in the FA WNL table, with only goal difference separating them from top spot thanks to last weekend’s superb 2-1 win over league leaders Nottingham Forest.

Wonderstrikes from Beth Stanfield and Kate Mallin gave Town a vital three points in a title race that is already hotting up. Stanfield believes that Town have what it takes to keep their good form going against Sheffield

“It felt amazing to win the game because it was very equal. There weren’t too many clear-cut chances and we really had to dig in and battle as a team to get the win.

It’s good to win such an important match. We know that we’re a good team and to be at the top we have to beat the teams around us. We will have to turn up against Sheffield to come away with the win, but we’re confident.”

Assistant manager Marcus Wilkinson is also expectant of another positive result on Sunday.

“The team have character and determination in abundance and they know we’re all in it together. That’s helped us to get four wins on the bounce which puts us in a good position and we’ve got a lot of momentum behind us, so we need to take that into Sunday’s game against Sheffield.

Having the composure in front of goal like we showed against Forest is crucial. We scored four against Middlesbrough the game before when we could have had eight or nine so it’s good to see us being clinical when the chances come now.”

Sheffield haven’t been in the best of form, having won just one of their first five league fixtures – losing the other four. Wilkinson, however, knows that it won’t be an easy match.

“No game in this league is easy. Just like Forest did, Sheffield will throw problems at us and we’ll have to do our homework on them. But, like I said, we’ve got momentum behind us so we need to keep that going because it’s a big week for us. 

We’re taking it game by game. Obviously it’s nice to be up at the top of the table, but it means nothing after five games. The table is irrelevant and we’ve just got to keep doing what we’re doing week by week.”

The development squad resume their campaign after having a free game week and manager Lee Briggs is determined to get back to winning ways.

“The players are raring to go again this week and kick on, and get another good performance under our belts. 

We’ve made a good start and have played some great football. I’m massively pleased with how the team are doing, they’re a great group and want to keep learning. 

I want us to go out and work hard as a group against Brighouse and give a performance and show case our football. We need to bounce back from the Durham game with a solid team performance.

The high standards of the football we’ve played in games so far has been outstanding. Everyone wants to win games so we go again Sunday and will try and win the game.”

Preview by: Jack Walker

Town Women Look To Move Level With Forest At League Summit.

Huddersfield Town Women welcome league leaders Nottingham Forest Women to the Stafflex Arena this Sunday.

The visitors sit top of the table after recording four wins and a draw from their opening five matches of the FA WNL season, but a win would see Town join them on thirteen points.

If Town do emerge victorious, they will move level with Forest at the summit unless Derby County beat Fylde FC at home. Although it is still very early on in the campaign, manager Jordan Wimpenny knows that it is a six-pointer

“In my opinion, Forest will be our toughest test yet. We have to understand that they are in the position they are in for a reason. With a lot of changes and signings made to their side, we know it will be a very important and competitive game.”

The Terriers go into the game on the back of three straight wins. After triumphing against Hull and Sunderland, a brace from Kate Mallin and goals from Brittany Sanderson and Sarah Danby saw the Terriers beat Middlesbrough 4-2 on Teesside last time out. Wimpenny is impressed with his team’s form

“Everyone wants to win football games. The team are showing good form and this is something we want to take forward with us in each game. The togetherness and belief is massively important for them to keep this going.

We were certainly challenged by ‘Boro and they were the better side in the first half, but we were able to adapt to the changes made we proved ourselves in the second half to take all 3 points which was vital for us based on how other games have been going.”

Forest beat Loughborough Foxes 7-0 last weekend and could hardly be in better shape after a strong summer transfer window, but Wimpenny is confident that the Terriers have what it takes to get the win.

“First of all, we must focus on our performance without the state of the league affecting us too much as it is still early in the season but, as we do for every game, we will plan and prepare to win.

I think how the group have adapted to change and applied themselves to that change with their current form as a group they have to believe in their potential of what they can achieve they are good players and sometimes need reminding of that.”

Substitutes making an impact off the bench has been a feature of Town’s attacking prowess thus far in 2020/21, and Wimpenny isn’t surprised by the whole squad’s desire and quality.

“We spoke a lot about this in preseason. We have a very strong squad, not just a strong starting XI.

We have experience and depth in our side which means we have players who can change the game when called upon and this is something we will look to do again at the right times in the game on Sunday against Forest.”

Preview by: Jack Walker

Town Women Head To Teesside In Search Of Third Straight Win.

Huddersfield Town Women travel to Middlesbrough in search of their third consecutive win of the 2020/21 season.

Wins against Hull and Sunderland have seen the Terriers soar up the league table – manager Jordan Wimpenny says his side will make the trip North full of confidence

“We need to take advantage of when the squad is in a good moment and, looking at our performances, we are.

We know that Middlesbrough will give us another set of challenges that we will have to overcome, but we are confident of another confident, positive performance on Sunday.”

Huddersfield get their first clean sheet of the season in the 3-0 win over Sunderland last week, and summer-signing Bethan Davies was delighted to record her first shut-out between the sticks.

“I was thrilled to get my first clean sheet. It was a great milestone to pass. As a team we have mainly conceded from our own mistakes in other games, so we all knew the clean sheet was coming!

I have quite high expectations of myself and last season I had 10 clean sheets in 20 games so I’m hoping to beat that target this year!”

Town also kept a clean sheet when they romped to victory in this fixture last season, winning 6-0 courtesy of goals from Lucy Sowerby, Laura Elford, Kate Mallin, Beth Stanfield and Emma Samways and Leah Embley – who has since moved to Blackburn. Davies is confident that the team can continue their impressive form and find the winning formula again this weekend.

“Everyone has been great since I moved here, all of the staff and the players have made me feel at home and part of the club – I’m loving it!

Our target for Sunday is definitely three points and if we play how we did against Sunderland then I don’t see why we won’t achieve it!”

The development squad laid down a marker last Sunday, hammering Sheffield FC away from home, and welcome Durham to the Stafflex Arena this weekend.

Faye Sherrington (2), Zoe Laughton, Cassidy Clift, Lois Scholefield, Molly Ellis and Alice Linsell all got on the scoresheet and manager Lee Briggs is delighted that goals are coming from all areas of the pitch

“That results shows the strength and depth of the group. They set their own high standards and I’m looking forward to seeing them maintain it.”

The squad host Durham this weekend, and Briggs is backing his team to get their their fourth win in a row as they look to stay top of the table.

“We prepare at the same level every week and we’ll take it each game at a time, but it would be good to keep the run going.

The way that we are defending from the front is great to see and the team’s hard work is evident in every game. The trust they have in each other is amazing so long may it continue.”

Preview by: Jack Walker

Town Women Host Sunderland in Titanic Clash.

Huddersfield Town Women welcome Sunderland Ladies to the Stafflex Arena in their fourth game of the FA WNL season this Sunday.

Town go into the game on the back of Wednesday night’s 2-1 victory over Hull City Ladies and manager Jordan Wimpenny was delighted with the win.

“That first win is so important. As a group we have been unfortunate in previous games to see the results go the way they have, but we have built each week ready for the next game as for us it was vital to get the win at Hull.

The second half performance was so much better. We saw a side of the group that demonstrates the mentality of a winning team and this is something we must continue on Sunday against Sunderland.”

The Black Cats were runaway league leaders in 2019/20, but player departures have seen them make a slow start to the campaign. Wimpenny, though, knows it promises to be another tough game and says his team must be focused only on their own performances.

“We need to focus on ourselves, play the way we play, improve on previous games and look to claim all 3 points come Sunday”

Having missed the curtain-raiser against Fylde and starting on the bench against Burnley, Laura Elford took centre stage on her first start of 2020-21 against Hull in midweek – scoring both goals in a vital 2-1 win in East Yorkshire.

Town’s no,10 isn’t the only one impressing, though, as the whole team have found their identity quickly under new management and Wimpenny is confident of continuing that on Sunday.

“I still think there is still so much to work on, but the group have adapted to changes and challenges thrown their way. All three league performances have been solid and last night was a good performance to take forward into Sunday’s game”

The development squad also continue their league campaign and make the trip across Yorkshire to face Sheffield FC. After taking four points from their opening two matches, Manager Lee Briggs goes into the game in confident mood.

“Our last game against Liverpool Feds went well. It was frustrating to not score – having scored five the week before – but we still made lots of chances which is always a good thing.

To keep a clean sheet was very pleasing and we always looked to play out from defence, never panicking, which was great.

We all know that this league is very competitive and tough, but I expect another great game [against Sheffield] and we have taken the time to prepare as well as possible for the match and I’m sure we’ll play at our usual high standards.”

Preview by: Jack Walker

Town Women Travel To Hull In Search Of First Win.

Huddersfield Town Women make the trip across Yorkshire to Hull City Ladies in a bid to win record their first win of the 2020/21 FA WNL.

The dramatic 3-3 draw at home to Fylde on the opening weekend was followed up by an equally enthralling 2-1 loss to Burnley at the weekend.

Town found themselves 2-0 down before Brittany Sanderson pulled one back to set up a crazy last few minutes in which the Terriers were awarded a penalty.

Kate Mallin stuck her spot kick away against Fylde, but Lucy Sowerby did not have the same fortune as last season’s top scorer pulled her effort wide from twelve yards, meaning Town fell to defeat. 

Hull have taken four points from their opening two matches this campaign, beating last season’s runaway leaders Sunderland 2-1 at Haworth Park on Sunday afternoon, meaning Wednesday’s hosts sit three points and three places higher than Town – sitting fifth in the league table.

The loss to Burnley sees the Terriers five points off top spot but, having beaten Hull in three of the last four meetings between the two sides, confidence should be high for the journey across the county. Top scorer in pre-season, Laura Elford began Sunday’s game on the bench and is therefore expected to feature heavily on Wednesday night and, with Serena Fletcher and Sarah Danby also coming on as second-half substitutes against Burnley, manager Jordan Wimpenny heads into the game with a fully fit squad. 

Preview by: Jack Walker

Town Women Travel to Burnley.

Huddersfield Town Women face Burnley Women in their first away game of the 2020/21 FA WNL campaign which is another behind closed doors fixture

The Terriers began the season with the visit of Fylde Women FC and played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Stafflex Arena last weekend.

Despite not getting off to a winning start, manager Jordan Wimpenny was pleased with his team’s performance.

“It was a very tough, competitive game and one which will do us good going forward. We created countless chances in the second half and unfortunately it wouldn’t quite go in the net for us, but the main thing is that the chances were there.”

Town’s defending was top drawer in pre-season, so Wimpenny wants to see more of the same and get the against the Clarets on Sunday.

“Burnley will be a tough test for us, they won their first game and will want to build on that this week. For us we know what to expect as a group and we know what we must try and do in order to win the game.”

Pre-season’s top scorer Laura Elford is available for selection having missed the curtain-raiser last weekend and, having scored against Burnley in the sides’ last meeting, Town’s no.10 is determined to hit the ground running in 2020/21.

“The aim we have is to win every game we play. It would be nice to continue my form from pre-season, but the win is much more important.

I’ve not set out any personal targets as of yet, but if could hit 25 goals then I think that would be a good contribution and it would be great to get off the mark at the weekend.

Elford will give us a different dimension in the team”, says Wimpenny. “We have shown we have a very strong squad across the board and with Elford not being involved in the first game of the season I know she will be ready to get going on Sunday”

The 3-2 defeat in 2019/20 will still be in the players’ minds and, after they made a winning start against Sunderland last weekend, Wimpenny knows Burnley will prove a tough test – but believes his team is up for the task.

“It was great to see how our performances have shaped up in a game at this level and we were relentless in our attacks [against Fylde].

Every game is another opportunity for us to perform. We demand a lot of each other as players and staff. We know we need to improve from last week but also build on what we started to show in the second half: more fluidity, more variations of movements and more quality around the final third.”

The development squad are also action once again this weekend as they welcome Liverpool Feds to West Yorkshire.

Having won a sensational match 5-4 against local rivals Leeds United in their season-opener, manager Lee Briggs is confident of making it two from two.

“It was great to get off to a winning start and it was one that the group needed as a team. All the players are amazing and always confident, but the win definitely spread masses of positivity.

To score five in any game is good, but to have five different goalscorers just shows the strength across the board which is fantastic. Conceding four isn’t a concern. It was an end to end game so there was always going to be goals.

I expect that same level of performance, hard work and team work every match we play. That continues against Liverpool Feds this weekend.”

Preview by: Jack Walker

Due to the changing government guidance, unfortunately our first team game against AFC Fylde will now be played – BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

Déjà Vu as Town Women Kick Off Season With Fylde Visit.

Huddersfield Town Women host AFC Fylde Women in their 2020/21 curtain raiser in a repeat fixture of the beginning of last season.

That game finished 2-2 after Town threw away a two-goal half-time lead, but manager Jordan Wimpenny is confident that history won’t repeat itself.

“I’m happy with the performances over all I know there is so much more we can show as a group and this is something we will be looking to implement into the new season.

Defensively we have been organised and disciplined so far and we will be looking at doing more of the same on Sunday.”

Sunday’s game will be Wimpenny’s first competitive match as manager and, after winning all five pre-season fixtures, he and his team go into the game brimming with confidence.

“We want to be able to continue to demonstrate our identity we know this season the league will be tough but I believe in the group of players we have and with the football they have shown so far through preseason its sets a solid platform going into that first game.”

Laura Elford was on fire in pre-season, netting 11 times in 6 matches and Town’s no.10 wants to take her impressive form into the new season.

“It’s not surprising to us that we’ve played so well. Jordan out his intentions right from the start, told us what was expected and how to achieve it and that’s what we’ve been doing.

Personally, it’s great to score so many goals. The aim is to win every game so that’s what we’ll be wanting at the weekend.

If I can aim for 25 goals this season I think that would be a good contribution but overall our success will be measured as a squad as opposed to individual success.”

When the 2019/20 FA WNL campaign was declared null and void, the Terriers found themselves lying in fifth place in the table, but Wimpenny is expecting far better time around.

“We will approach each game to win and hopefully based on that approach reach the highest position we can. You always want to build and improve on previous and that’s something we will look to do this year.

Everyone enjoys a good cup run. For us we set our standards high but also demand a lot of each other and with the potential in the group both individually and collectively there is no reason why we can’t have one this year.”

The development squad also begin their league campaign on Sunday and, despite a difficult pre-season with defeats to Ossett United and Manchester United u21’s, manager Lee Briggs believes his side will kick start the season with a win.

“It’s been a really tough pre-season, but it’s going to stand us in great stead for the season. We took real positives in every game we’ve played. We go Sunday looking to put things we’ve looked at as positives in place.

The group always train with great attitudes and tempo also wanting to learn. Our team spirit is up there and there’s a great buzz in the group ahead of Sunday as well.

I’m expecting us to get a win and lots of goals.”

Preview by: Jack Walker

INSIDE TRAINING | Take a peek into our preparations for our season opener against @FyldeWomenFC only on #htwtv! FULL VIDEO

Town Women host Newcastle in Fifth Pre-Season Fixture.

Huddersfield Town Women welcome Newcastle United Women to the Stafflex Arena with less than a month to go until the start of the 2020/21 season.

The Terriers have won all of their previous four friendlies in the build up to the new season by an aggregate score of 17-1, so manager Jordan Wimpenny is expecting another strong performance on Sunday.

“The group have showcased organised and fluid performances which we want to continue with the momentum in each game ready for the new season on the 20th. Newcastle will be another opportunity for us to do that.”

Georgia Marshall – who missed last weekend’s win at FC United of Manchester – is expected to be back in the side to face the Magpies and, after scoring against Bradford, the teenage centre-half is confident of maintaining Town’s 100% record.

“We’ve only conceded one goal so far and to score in my last match was really good.

I can’t wait to start the season against Fylde so we need to continue our good form with a win against Newcastle on Sunday.”

Sunday’s visitors beat Alnwick Town Ladies 3-1 last time out, but lost 2-1 to local rivals Middlesbrough Women a two weeks ago. Wimpenny, though, knows his team will have to be on form to record a fifth straight win.

“Right now, for us it’s about getting our own identity and principles right. Newcastle no doubt with throw up more challenges for us and it’s about how we can identify those and overcome them.”

The Terriers’ stand-out performer thus far in pre season has to be Laura Elford – Town’s number ten has hit seven goals in her last two games, with nine overall, and wants to bag a few more against Newcastle.

“It’s really good to be getting on the score sheet and contributing to the team but it’s definitely about us as a team and what we can implement in preparation for the season.

Jordan set out his intentions from the start and told us what was expected and how we would achieve it and we’ve all worked really hard in training and on game days to ensure that we’re doing our individual jobs properly and therefore performing well as a team.

There’s a really good atmosphere around the club at the moment so hopefully it continues!”

The development squad were beaten 9-0 by an impressive Manchester United u21’s side in front of Ole Gunnar Solskjær last weekend, but manager Lee Briggs is confident of turning their form around on Sunday.

“It was a very tough game on Sunday and I’m proud of my team the way they stuck together and never gave up.

It is good to play harder opponents as we then see where we need to be in terms of fitness and our football levels.

I think it will be another tough game [this weekend]. We have to take games one at a time and it will the the same going into the season. We as a group want to win and preform well and put the last two games to bed.”

Preview by: Jack Walker

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Town Women face FC United of Manchester in pre-season fixture number four.

Huddersfield Town Women head to FC United of Manchester this Sunday on the back of three straight wins at the start of Jordan Wimpenny’s reign.

After comfortable 6-0 and 2-1 wins over Chorley and Stockport respectively, the Terriers repeated the first scoreline at home to local rivals Bradford last time out, with Laura Elford bagging a first half hattrick.

Town’s no.10 notched again after the break, with Lucy Sowerby and Georgia Marshall also netting to complete the scoring.

“It’s good to see any player scoring freely,” Wimpenny says. “I want the players to play with fluidity and confidence, being able to believe in their own abilities and I’m sure this will contribute to Elfords performances as we look ahead to the next game.”

Sunday’s opponents drew 1-1 with Sporting Khalsa Women in their last fixture courtesy of Jordon Bailey’s equaliser.

They’ve also announced that central defender Chelsea Patient will play for them again this season, so the manager knows it will be a good match this weekend.

“Each game throws up different problems we have a squad with a lot of depth and quality that we know we can deploy at any moment depending on how the game is going and what is in front of us.”

A win on Sunday would continue the gaffer’s 100% record at the club thus far and he’s confident of doing just that.

“I believe in the group we have a strong, experienced side who have made a good start to the preseason and this is something we will look to continue into the new season.

We demand a lot of each other and so far, the team has applied themselves very well in the games we have played.”

The development squad also continue their preparations for 2020/21 this weekend when they host Manchester United’s u21 side.

After a tough opening to pre-season, losing 5-0 against Ossett United’s first team, gaffer Lee Briggs is eager to put that result behind them with a positive response on Sunday.

“Last week’s result was tough to take, but we’ve put it to the back of our minds and had a positive week of training.

We know that Manchester United will be great opposition, so we’ve prepared well, but we have to focus on our performance and way of playing. Then the results will come.”

Preview by: Jack Walker