Huddersfield Town Ladies bounced back from defeat by Cheadle Heath Nomads to go third in the Northern Women’s Combination with a 2-1 triumph at Tranmere Rovers.

The home team had the better of the early stages, but created few clear chances, although Charlotte Oates, who replaced injured keeper Laura Carter, pulled off a decent save after six minutes.

Soon Town started to settle and get their passing game going, and on 13 minutes, a good ball from Alarna Fuller sent Emily Heckler down the left. She crossed for Kate Mallin to get a vital near-post touch to score.

Town were starting to look good value for their lead, with Mallin and Fuller instrumental in some lovely build-up play through the middle.

Alice Linsell and Kirsty Russell were both looking sharp and they combined for the move of the first half, when Linsell scooped the ball over the defence after a series of passes to play in Russell. who was denied by the onrushing keeper.

Town had another great chance just before the break, but the lively Linsell smashed the ball against the woodwork, then put her follow-up effort across the face of goal.

Town needed to defend strongly at the start of the second half, and they struck on the counter attack to double their lead on 75 minutes.

The industrious Heckler played a superbly weighted pass through to Linsell, who lifted the ball over the keeper from 20 yards out.

Oates’ one slip of the game allowed Tranmere to pull a goal back late on, but Town held out and their keeper was named player of the match.

Town have a quick return game against Shelley at Storthes Hall park on Sunday (2.00).

Shauna Messenger scored a consolation goal as Town’s second team went down 11-1 to Bradford City in the Women’s Premier League Reserve Division.

League leaders Nottingham Forest await on Sunday, with the kick-off in the East Midlands 2.00.

The Under 16s were on the right end of an 11-1 scoring as they took on Sheffield United.

Georgina Nielson opened the scoring with a powerful shot, and from then on Town’s football was slick, with excellent movement from the wingers and forwards.

Further goals came from player of the match Maddie Walsh, who ended up with two, Katie Lockwood, who scored five, and Jess Holland, who got three.

Next up are Aston Swallownest in the Sheffield & Hallamshire League, at Storthes Hall Park on Saturday (10.30).

The Under 14s made it three wins from three at the expense of Wickersley Youth, who were beaten 9-0.

Goals from Olivia Bennett (3), Amy Broomhead (2) and one each from Tara Duce, Katie Smith, Faye Allen plus an own goal maintained top place in the Sheffield & Hallamshire League.

Player of the match was Ella Harris.

Dearne & District is the destination on Saturday (11.00).

The Under 12s will go to Barnsley (11.00) aiming to bounce back from a 7-0 home defeat by Handsworth Juniors, again in the Sheffield & Hallamshire League.

It was a first defeat of the term for Town against last season’s unbeaten champions.

Player of the match was Lois Thornes for her determination in defence and willingness to head the ball clear.