HTAFC Ladies started their league campaign in the North East Regional Women's Football League on Sunday 17th September with a tough away trip to Ossett Albion LFC at Dimplewells.
The previous season had ended at the end of March, so it had been a long wait for the girls to get back into league action.
After the disappointment of the cup defeat to Farsley the previous week, Town started on the front foot with Rach White hitting the crossbar after been put through by new signing Katie Rowland. Town dominated possession in the early stages, but were hit on the counter attack by Ossett who, after some good link up play in midfield, saw the impressive Nikki Swift open the scoring.
Town responded well and within two minutes were level after an accomplished finish from Hannah Stephenson. Town continued to press and on 14 minutes went ahead through a great strike from 25 yards from Grace Adams after she picked up a short kick from the Ossett goalkeeper.
Ossett began to grow into the game and with the tempo of Town's game dropping, a succession of free kicks led to the equaliser from Chloe Denton. With the game poised at 2-2, it looked as though the team would be heading into the break all square. However, the ever-impressive Caz Hulme had other ideas. A great move from Town which involved, Adams, White, and Rowland, ended with Nat Eustance through on goal. Her left footed strike was saved by the goalkeeper but Caz was on hand to convert the rebound. The half-time whistle came with Town leading 3-2.
The first twenty minutes of the second half were evenly contested without either goalkeeper really been tested. This all changed on the 70th minute when Caz Hulme picked up the loose ball in the box to round the goalkeeper with poise, before finishing into an empty net.
Further goals from Hannah Stephenson, Caz Hulme, and a sweet left footed strike from “Tilley” Salter added to Town's goal haul and was just reward for 90 minutes of hard work.
New centre back Grace Foyer (pictured below), a recent signing from York City, was player of the match, but it was an all round outstanding team performance, especially in the second half.
The Development team played their first ever competitive game away against a strong and experienced Catterick Garrison side. After taking a 1-0 lead, Catterick scored four unanswered goals, but it was an important learning curve for the young Town team, and one which will stand them in good stead for the future. Courtney Young was player of the match.
Forthcoming fixtures are available on the Club website.
Finally, the girls PDC is now back up and running on a Friday night between 4.45pm - 6pm and is open to all girls aged between 8 and 15 years of age. Friday saw 32 girls in attendance and is a great testament to the club for the work they are doing to promote the women's game both on and off the pitch.