MATCH REPORT: Huddersfield Town 2-0 Rotherham United

Despite a strong defensive showing against our National League hosts, we were unable to progress in the County Cup.

Second-half goals from Molly Firth and Katie Astle were the difference at the Stafflex Arena.

Alesha Gale and Lexie Butterworth came closest to scoring for the Millers.

On a bitterly cold afternoon in the shadow of the towering Emley Moor mast, Adam Rawlings’ side matched higher-level opposition for more than an hour.

Bodies were thrown in front of shots, fizzing crosses were hooked away and tackles flew in as the Terriers struggled to break the deadlock against the terrier-like Rotherham defence.

Ashleigh Ridsdel-Harrison made vital stops in the Millers net and her teammates intervened numerous times to keep out the team in blue and white stripes.

At the other end, Butterworth came close to turning in a wicked Gale cross from the right and Lauren Winter warmed the gloves of her namesake Lauren Joyce.

A second half begun at a higher tempo offered several early chances to the home team and a clear sight of goal for Gale, whose smart footwork freed her to lash just wide.

The stalemate was broken dead on the hour, Molly Firth meeting Kate Mallin’s centre from the right and just squeezing her shot under Ridsdel-Harrison.

The Millers were unbowed and pressed for an equaliser, Gale curling a free kick wide and volleying straight at Joyce.

As we committed numbers forward, the Millers were vulnerable to the counter attack and Huddersfield took advantage a minute from time, Astle turning home to seal the result as appeals for offside fell on deaf ears.

The defeat brings a premature end to our County Cup quest but this was a brave and dogged display in which a young side were unafraid to making passing moves and step up against higher level opposition.

We’re back in league action next Sunday at home to Basford United. Kick-off is at 2pm.