After getting their season off to a winning start at Stockport Sports Village last weekend, County Ladies travelled to recently relegated Huddersfield Town on Sunday for their first away game of the campaign.
It was expected to be a tough test for Steve O’Hara’s side, against a Huddersfield side tipped to push for an immediate promotion back to the third tier this season. The Terriers had also got off to a winning start on opening day, beating Leeds United 2-0 away from home.
O’Hara takes us through the game:
“It was a very blustery afternoon in West Yorkshire as we travelled to face Huddersfield Town in our second game of the season.
“Having been relegated last season, and after keeping most of their squad together over the Summer, we knew it would be a very difficult game. They will be in and around the top come the end of the season.
“The first half was a very even affair, with very few chances as both teams cancelled each other out. There were only a couple of efforts from distance of any note, which both keepers were able to deal with comfortably. The biggest threat seemed to be coming from corners or set pieces, but again there was nothing to worry about.
“We spoke at half time about moving the ball a bit quicker, and how giving us some width might unlock the game.
“We started bright and applied plenty of pressure, which nearly paid off when a ball to the back post found Lily Weston unmarked – her volley bounced back off the bar and then fell to skipper Kenedy Owen, who hit her shot just over.
“We could feel the game swinging in our favour but the home side’s defence was holding strong.
“From our goal-kick, we didn’t deal with the ball in central midfield and they broke forward, tried to play a ball behind our defence which cannoned straight back to the Huddersfield player’s feet and she was able to find the corner of the net to give the hosts the lead.
“Straight from kick-off, some good work down our left and a great cross from Levi Rathburn found the head of Lizzy Hamer, but her header was cleared off the line with the keeper beaten.
“We continued to push for an equaliser and dominated possession for large parts, but we just couldn’t find the break through to get back level.
“Overall, we’re disappointed not to get something out of the game as I felt we didn’t deserve to lose, but I also think we didn’t do enough to take all three points either.
“On a more positive note though, we’re quietly happy that we pushed a strong team all the way and on another day could have taken the points home, with a bit more luck.
“I can’t fault the effort of the whole team though, and we showed we can mix it with the top teams in our league which will only give us confidence going forward.
“Next up is a league cup game against tier three Liverpool Feds on Wednesday night, and then a home game against Leeds United on Sunday at SSV (2pm KO) – a game we really want to win to get us back on the right track.”
