Huddersfield Town Ladies struck in stoppage time to seal FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division football next season.
Katie Barnes’s goal clinched a key 2-1 win at Loughborough Foxes.
Now eighth-placed Town face Barnsley Ladies in the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA Women’s Challenge Cup final at Parkgate in Rotherham on Wednesday (7.30).
At Loughborough, chances went begging for both sides in a goalless first half as Kate Mallin and Alex Gummer were thwarted while keeper Laura Carter was kept busy.
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Town came out with more determination in the second half and was rewarded when Sarah Dobby played a nice ball to Emily Heckler, who finished from close range.
Loughborough were allowed back into the game when a defensive slip was pounced on just after the hour.
Town were desperately trying to make amends and came close when Katie Lockwood smashed a shot against the bar.
Ten minutes from time the visitors made a triple substitution (Debbie Hastings, Becky Kendell and Barnes were introduced).
Kendell then crossed for Heckler to turn provider, heading the ball back across goal for Barnes to net from close range.
Town’s academy side were 8-0 winners over Hemsworth Miners Welfare in their Sheffield & Hallamshire Women’s League Division III game.
A hat trick by Raegen Cartledge, a brace for Demi Wisher and one each from Lauren Buckley, Koari Brown and Jess Holland maintained the team’s title chances.
The Under 16s need one more point to retain the Sheffield & Hallamshire Girls’ League title after beating Wickersley Youth 2-0.
Rose Priestley scored from a Tara Duce corner and Ella Harris clinched it when she rounded the keeper to net.
Isobel Pare saved a penalty to record her 50th clean sheet.
Town travel to Doncaster Belles on Wednesday.
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The Under 14s moved back to the top of their table with a 13-0 win against Wombwell Juniors.
Goals were scored by Courtney Livsey (5), Harriett Waller (4) and Macy Ellis, Molly Ellis, Gwen Hughes and Brodie Haigh.
Town go to Wisewood Juniors on Wednesday and host Wiston Wildcats on Saturday.
The Under 12s won 3-0 at Sheffield United Community Ladies.
Alex McKie scored twice and Laura Hulme got the other.
The final game of the season is at Dronfield Town on Saturday.
