TOWN Ladies have lifted one trophy, thanks to the Under 13s’ Sheffield and Hallamshire League Cup success against Doncaster Belles, and are through to another final.
The first team are looking forward to a West Riding FA Women’s County Cup derby against National Premier League side Leeds United at Woodlesford on April 11 after their 1-0 win over Castleford White Rose.
Town came flying out of the blocks a county headquarters, and but for the Castleford keeper, the tie could have been over after 10 minutes.
First she tipped a Laura Windle shot over the bar, then pushed a shot from the same player wide.
She could do nothing to prevent Emily Heckler putting Town ahead with a left-foot a shot from the edge of the area after good work by Debbie Hastings.
Castleford were dangerous on the break, and pushed forward during the final stages, but were kept at bay by keeper Laura Carter, Town’s player of the match.
Town were unable to follow up that win in the Northern Women’s Combination, going down 4-1 to Middlesbrough.
Two down at half-time, Heckler pulled one back seven minutes into the second half after being set up by Kate Mallin (pictured right).
But Boro soon restored their two-goal cushion, and clinched victory 10 minutes from time.
Centre-back Vicky Abbott was player of the match for Town, who take on Mossley Hill in Liverpool on Sunday (2.00).
The reserves take on Middleton Park in a West Riding League game at Grange Moor on Sunday (2.00).
Tara Duce’s double was key to the Under 13s’ 3-2 win over the Belles in an exciting final at Dronfield.
Town had Doncaster on the back foot early on, when Amy Broomhead and Duce both came close.
The Belles then got into their stride, taking a 15th-minute lead, but Town soon replied when Broomhead was sent clear by Duce.
Town’s back four of Laura Walker, Isobel Boothroyd, Imogen Pow and Rose Priestley were playing well while Faye Allen shone as the holding midfielder.
On 55 minutes Duce latched onto a loose ball following good work from Ella Harris down the left and netted with a strong shot.
The midfielder was on the scoresheet again two minutes from time and while Doncaster pulled one back, Town held out.
Town host Handsworth Juniors in a league game at Grange Moor on Saturday (10.30).
The Under 18s switched their Sheffield and Hallamshire League clash with Sheffield United Community Ladies (White) from waterlogged Grange Moor and went down 3-1 in South Yorkshire.
Town started slowly and were forced onto the defensive.
It was no surprise when Sheffield took the lead in the 16th minute, but this spurred Town into action.
A deserved equaliser arrived after 42 minutes, when Alice Linsell was fouled just outside the penalty area and put away the free-kick.
However in the second half, United took control and scored in the 60th and 79th minutes.
Town never stopped trying but were beaten by a good side, and the defeat could have been heavier had it not been for some excellent saves by keeper Seana Potts, Town’s player of the match.
Handsworth Juniors are the visitors to Grange Moor on Saturday (10.30), while the fixture is reversed for the Under 15s (11.00).
