Injuries continue to affect the Lightning squad, with Kenzy Collingbourne, Hazel Cotton and Zoe Harris the latest additions to an already extensive injury list that includes Morgan Rogers, Becky Hogg, Jade Arber, Lucy Cooper, Sarah Woodbyrne and Emily Jacobs.
There was some positive news, however, as centre-back Hannah Langford returned to the starting line-up after six months out with a broken foot. Head Coach Charles Baxter was also forced to make changes, handing competitive debuts to defenders Nia Davies and Hattie Sherlock, while midfielder Modlen Gwynne also made her competitive debut.
Huddersfield created the first chances, with two early efforts in the opening three minutes, although neither troubled Lightning goalkeeper Murphy.
Loughborough then grew into the contest and enjoyed the better of the next 20 minutes. Ella Jarowicki caused problems for the hosts’ defence, although her efforts from distance failed to test Davies. Lucy Mutch also found herself in a promising position after beating her defender on the edge of the box, but fired over from close range.
Just as it looked like the sides would go into half-time level, Huddersfield broke the deadlock in the 40th minute. Aimiee Kelly drove into the box before calmly finishing into the far corner.
Half-time: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Loughborough Lightning
Lightning responded strongly after the break and deservedly equalised in the 47th minute. Captain Olivia Ramon found space on the edge of the area before calmly side-footing into the bottom corner.
The goal sparked Loughborough into life, but against the run of play Huddersfield regained the lead when Beresford cut in from the right and found Lord-Mears, whose effort took a cruel deflection beyond Murphy.
The goal sparked a difficult seven-minute spell for Lightning, with Elford scoring twice and Kelly adding her second to make it 5-1.
Despite the setback, Loughborough showed character to avoid further damage while continuing to create opportunities, with the scoreline remaining 5-1.
Lightning will look to bounce back on Thursday, August 27, when they host Chesterfield in the FAWNL League Cup at Loughborough University Stadium, before welcoming Stoke City in the league on Sunday, August 30.
Starting XI: Murphy; Davies, Sherlock, Langford (Caunt 57), Williams; Ramon (c), Gwynne (Kennedy 57), Mutch (Powell 71), Spillman (Thompson 66); Jarowicki, Conway (Brittain 83).
Substitutes: Kingerley, Caunt, Chads, Brittain, Kennedy, Powell, Thompson.