FA WNL Cup Group T
Bradford City Women 1 (Markey 52’)
Leeds United Women 4 (Watson 16’, Jacobs OG 27’, Drew Greene 51’, Hughes 65’)
Bradford: Whelan (GK), Wilcock, Fernie, Todman, Štube (C), Jacobs, Spencer-Smith (Markey 46’), Barraclough, Heckingbottom (May 56’), Fountain, Thompson (Paley 46’). Subs not used: Bakkensen.
Leeds: Oates (GK), Millard, Legge (C), Cassidy, Darcie Greene, Watson (Chico 77’), Hughes, Smith, Drew Greene, Sanderson (Strickland 63’), Coley. Subs not used: Mears (GK), Woodruff, Dean, Harris.
Venue: Silsden AFC | Referee: Martin Barnes
Leeds United Women’s blistering start to the 2026/27 campaign continued as they cruised past West Yorkshire rivals Bradford City Women to top Group T of the FA WNL Cup.
With a 100 per cent win rate so far across both league and cup this season, the Whites were at their free-flowing best as they dismantled the Bantams away from home, scoring twice in each half.
Returning to the same venue that brought a 2-0 victory in Division One North the previous weekend, attentions this time turned to cup duties. Simon Wood’s team had already beaten both Halifax Women and Huddersfield Town Women in the competition prior to the third West Yorkshire derby.
Action got underway at an overcast Silsden AFC with the Whites immediately on the front foot down the left through Drew Greene. The attacker raced into the area and crossed low for Abi Coley who saw a close-range effort blocked. From the resulting corner, Shauna Legge forced a fine save from Tiffany Whelan as the hosts survived.
Down the other end, the services of Charlotte Oates were called upon early, reading the game well to rush out and smother the ball before Bantams’ full-back Molly Wilcock could get a shot away.
Leeds deservedly took the lead when Monique Watson was well placed to drill a low finish beyond the despairing dive of Whelan. A dangerous corner had caused the hosts all sorts of problems with the midfielder on hand to supply the finish.
Looking for a response, Bradford struck the post through Laura Fountain’s left-footed drive from distance with United’s defence reacting quickly to clear their lines and avert the danger.
The Whites extended the advantage approaching the half-hour mark when a Brittany Sanderson free kick cannoned off the head of City defender Mia Jacobs, sailed over Whelan and into the back of the net.
Two would have become three if not for a fine intervention by the busy Bradford goalkeeper. Drew Greene marauded free on the right and found Kath Smith on the edge of the area. Looking for her side’s third of the opening half, the midfielder was denied by a sprawling save from the keeper.
Whelan again kept her team in the tie before the break with another great diving stop, this time scampering to her left to gather Darcie Greene’s strike that was headed towards the far corner. After Coley also went close, referee Martin Barnes brought proceedings to a halt.
HALF TIME: Bradford City Women 0-2 Leeds United Women
United emerged from the interval unchanged and keen to score the all-important third of the afternoon, Drew Greene darted into opposition territory and held off the challenge of Imani Todman but could only fire straight at the keeper.
Moments later, the attacker did get her goal! Beating the offside trap once more to latch onto a long ball from deep, Greene showed great composure as she rounded the onrushing Whelan and tapped into an empty net!
Continuing the frenetic start to the second half, City substitute Hannah Markey reduced the arrears for her side with a close-range finish, profiting on a loose ball at the back and lashing home.
The Whites went desperately close to restoring their three-goal cushion on the hour mark when Drew Greene twisted and turned her way into the area. A last-ditch challenge saw the ball cannon into the area and the Bantams somehow managed to clear their lines.
Wood’s side grabbed their fourth when Alice Hughes rose highest to meet an inviting out-swinging corner and powered her header home! That goal truly put the tie to bed with Leeds then really starting to dictate the tempo and possession.
United even had a chance to add a fifth from the spot after being awarded a penalty but Smith was unable to convert. Despite the scoreline, the visitors continued to threaten until the full-time whistle sounded.
Three wins from three in the competition sees the Whites top Group T, meaning they will advance to the knockout rounds in the FA WNL Cup. Further fixture information will be announced in due course.
FULL TIME: Bradford City Women 1-4 Leeds United Women
