Huddersfield Town Ladies conceded two late goals to end up losing 4-1 to Sheffield FC in the final of the Sheffield & Hallamshire Women’s Challenge Cup.

It was a thrilling end to the final at Parkgate FC, with three Sheffield goals coming in the second half including those two in the last five minutes.

Sheffield, winners for the last three seasons, started the game the stronger and had Town on the back foot for the opening 10 minutes.

After five minutes, Laura Carter was called into action to save a Sheffield free kick and then, a minute later, a Sheffield header went just wide of Town’s post.

Town gradually worked themselves into the game, retaining good possession for long periods.

However, in the 12th minute, Sheffield’s captain Carla Ward shot just wide of Town’s goal.

Two minutes later and Town created their best chance of the game when Debs Hastings unleashed an excellent shot from distance which the Sheffield keeper did well to tip over her bar.

Pressure gradually started to mount on Town’s goal and first, in the 27th minute, Sheffield had a penalty appeal for handball turned down, which in fairness did look like a penalty.

And then, a minute later, Camille Clarke had to clear a shot off the line after Carter has been rounded by the Sheffield striker.

In the 32nd minute Sheffield were awarded a free kick after, initially, it seemed that Laura Windle had been fouled for Town.

The ball was floated into the area and headed home to put Sheffield one up.

Town started to press Sheffield back and Emily Heckler had two chances within three minutes, first shooting just wide and, on the second occasion, just over the Sheffield bar.

In the 42nd minute Kate Mallin got Town back on terms, after being fouled just to the left of the Sheffield area.

She hit the ball with pace and it nestled in the net close to the far post for 1-1 and it remained that way until half time.

Both teams had chances early in the second half, first Katie Nutter shot into the side netting two minutes in and then, in the 55th and 58th minutes, Sheffield twice hit Town’s woodwork.

With half an hour remaining, a Mallin corner almost crept in at the far post, following a fumble by the Sheffield keeper.

In the 64th minute, however, Sheffield’s No7 broke down the left and unleashed an unstoppable shot to put Sheffield 2-1 up.

Heckler almost levelled the scores in the 75th minute with a snap shot volley from distance.

As Town went to three at the back and tried to look for the equaliser, Sheffield scored two goals in the last five minutes to give the scoreline a slightly flattering look.

An excellent performance from Town against a very strong Sheffield FC team, widely regarded as the strongest team in the country outside of the Women’s Super League.

Next Sunday the first team return to league action when they travel to Bedford to play second-placed Coventry City Ladies (2pm).

Town Reserves played one of their best games of the season but went down 5-4 to Bradford City Reserves in a thriller at Storthes Hall.

Town’s goals were scored by Rachel Sherrard (2) and one each from Courtney Kaye and Emily Ginley.

Next Sunday the reserves are away to Leeds Ladies Reserves (2pm).

Town Under 18s won 5-0 at AFC Pogmoor to take a firm grip on second place in the division.

Two goals from Jess Holland and one each from Ella Gill, Katie Lockwood and Maddie Walsh secured the win.

Next Saturday the Under 18s are at home to champions Doncaster Belles (10.30am at Storthes Hall).

The Under 13s had no game at the weekend but return to league action when they travel to Beighton Magpies (11am).