HUDDERSFIELD FA came close to earning a place in the final of the County FA’s Minor Cup final as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bradford FA at Valley Parade.
Playing into a strong wind Huddersfield knew they would be put under pressure in the first half.
They managed to keep the number of chances to a minimum, but Bradford made the most of what came their way to take a two-goal lead. Both goals came in a three-minute spell, the first arriving on 25 minutes when the ball broke for Andrew Harker and he played in Oliver Binns-Hall to score.
Danny Lyness then added to Huddersfield’s woes with a well struck shot from 16 yards and they knew they were in for a battle.
However, the visitors persisted in trying to create chances and Ashley Crowther saw a header well saved by the Bradford keeper before a fine move initiated by Jack Garraty saw Huddersfield go close.
They managed to claw a goal back before half-time with a cross from Josh Shields causing Bradford problems and their defender Kristian Hargreaves turned the ball into his own net. Hesketh was busy early in the second period and made his best save from Shields as he shot from six yards.
Chances dried up but on 75 minutes Huddersfield keeper Paul Day kept his side in the hunt with a great save.
Huddersfield stepped up the pace and in the closing stages Shields saw a shot deflected onto the bar, and Ashley Crowther and substitute Jack Hargreaves both went close.
