Huddersfield Town Ladies snapped a run of defeats by beating Liverpool Marshall Feds 5-2 in the first round of the FA Women’s Premier League Plate.
The home side started brightly and Town keeper Laura Carter made an excellent save in the first minute.
But Town gradually started to take control of midfield and both Emily Heckler and Kate Mallin went close.
Feds went in front after 22 minutes, when a long ball over the top evaded Town’s defence.
Their lead lasted only five minutes, however.
Debutante Sophie Cole crossed from the left and Debbie Hastings was on hand to prod home from close range after a fumble by the Feds keeper.
Town took the lead in the 40th minute, when player of the match Katie Nutter struck an unstoppable shot from distance after a nice lay-off from Heckler.
A strong start to the second half brought a third Town goal, Heckler crossing to Katie Lockwood, who laid the ball off for Mallin to fire home.
In the 59th minute Dominique Balmond played in Hastings, who drilled in her second goal of the game.
Nutter got her second with 20 minutes remaining when she nodded home a Mallin cross.
Another debutante, Natalie Brace, had a strong shot well saved with 10 minutes remaining before Feds pulled a goal back.
Town return to Northern Division action at home to Newcastle United on Sunday (2.00) when they seek a first win in four league games.
Town’s second string earned their first win of the Reserves Northern Division season when they beat Mansfield Town 6-0 at Storthes Hall.
Rebecca Sherrard (2), Emily Ginley, Frankie Wild, Rachel Sherrard and Alex Bailey scored.
The Under 15s return to action after a blank weekend when they visit Barnsley Ladies for a Sheffield & Hallamshire Girls League game on Saturday (11.00).
The Under 13s edged a close game against Chesterfield Ladies 2-1.
Town had long periods of possession in the first half, when Brodie Haigh fired wide and Olivia Burgin had a strong shot well saved.
Chesterfield hit a post either side of Courtney Livsey going close for Town, who made changes at the break and soon looked stronger.
Six minutes into the second half, a nice header from Livsey was fumbled by the Chesterfield keeper and Macy Ellis finished off.
Player of the match Gwen Hughes rattled a strong shot against a post.
On the hour, Livsey made it 2-0 with a left-foot shot when played in by Molly Ellis.
Chesterfield made it an exciting end when they pulled a goal back with six minutes to go.
Town seek a fifth successive win when they head to Shaw Lane Aquaforce on Saturday (11.00).
