Ladies Development Squad Update

Where a team sits at Christmas usually gives a big indication of how the rest of the campaign will pan out. For Charlie Lloyd’s Harrogate Town AFC Ladies development side things are no different, but in this case, are looking very positive.

“The campaign has been very good so far. We’ve managed to produce some fantastic performances against both Redcar teams, a great comeback against Catterick and strong performances in the other games.

“The main disappointment was just before Christmas where we drew 4-4 with York St John, but since coming back from Christmas the girls have reacted well and responded just how we wanted. Matt and myself are lucky to have such a fantastic group of players. Not just in terms of quality, but in their: work rate, attitude and willingness to learn and improve. It’s always enjoyable when we get to the weekend where we train on a Friday night and play on Sunday.”

When asked about his favourite moments of what has been an impressive campaign so far, Lloyd had some very exciting moments to share.

‘’There have been some great moments so far this season. From the very first game it was great to get off to a winning start against Poppleton. Emily Elmes got her first goal for the club and she was so happy! We’ve also had Evelyn Richards score a hat-trick against Brompton, the only hat-trick we’ve had so far this season (I think). It was great for Mary Windle to step up and volunteer to go in goal that game when our ‘keeper Vicky Naylor was away. She even kept a clean sheet!

“What has been great is when we have been scoring, we have had lots of different scorers which shows we don’t rely on any girl. It shows we have the quality throughout the team.”

Charlie Continued ‘’The best moment of the season so far, which I am sure the rest of the girls will agree with, was being 2-1 down to Catterick with six minutes to go and pulling it around to win 4-2. I think that shows how determined the girls are going into every game to get all three points.’’

Despite all the excitement, being in mid-January there is still plenty to play for and Harrogate Ladies Development side seem more then up for the challenges that the next few months may bring.

‘’The aim for the rest of the season is to go and win the league. As a team we have all agreed that we have the potential to do so, but we need to work very hard in order to achieve this. With so many away games cancelled before Christmas, we are going to have a lot of away games against good teams’ week after week in 2020.

“It’s going to be a big year for the girls and everyone in the squad will be needed over the coming months. It is going to be a big challenge but one the team are relishing.’’

By Isaac Martin