Vixens Narrowly Lose Opening Fixture

Guiseley Vixens kicked off their 2018/19 season by playing hosts to rivals Huddersfield Town Ladies, in what turned out to be a feisty affair.

Two goals from Katie Nutter were enough to secure all three points for the visitors, Ella Hartley’s debut goal turning out to just a consolation prize.

There was also competitive debuts for Sophie Walton, Shannon Durkin, Liv Auker, Eleanor Ciesielski and Mercy Darkoah.

The Vixens started the first-half off well, with Hartley almost putting the home side up in the first two minutes. She went round Huddersfield goalkeeper Laura Carter, but her shot was blocked on the line by the recovering defender.

Huddersfield did manage to bag a goal early on. Nutter capitalised on a defensive error and was able to take the ball into the box, putting it home past ‘keeper Bethan Davies.

Debutants Hartley and Durkin showed the early signs of a great pairing, linking up well and went close on a few occasions.

Ten minutes after conceding, the Vixens had something to celebrate.

Ciesielski ran down the wing before she delivered a lovely low ball across the box to Hartley who took a touch and fired past Carter, her first competitive goal for the club.

Both sides had chances in the rest of the first half. Huddersfield captain Kate Mallin had a free kick in a dangerous position, but Davies caught the shot well.

The second half saw the same fluid football from Guiseley and Ciesielski had a good opportunity for the home side in the lead for the first time. She took it past the defender, but her resulting shot went into the arms of Carter.

Just after the half-hour mark Town had a golden chance to go two up. Mallin squared a ball across the box where former Guiseley player Sarah Danby was, but the striker was put off and miss-hit the shot wide.

Ten minutes later the winning goal was scored. Nutter got her second after she was given space in the box to slot it into the bottom corner.

Guiseley had a chance late on to equalise. The hero of last seasons final game, Beth Stanfield, had a free-kick in a central position. It beat the wall but the low drive was dealt with by Carter.

The game ended 2-1 to Huddersfield but there positives to take for the home side, whose next league fixture is at home to Stoke City on the 9th September.

Next Up:

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Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division

Guiseley vs Lancaster City