FA Women’s National League Division One North
Chorley Women 1 (Catlow 69’)
Leeds United Women 1 (Astle 32’)
Chorley Women: Finch (GK), Catlow, Searson, Nickson, Cook, Tyers, Mackay, Walker (C), Parker, Bell (Mason 67’), Hyland. Subs not used: McKevitt, Topping.
Leeds United Women: Kirkham (GK), Jakeman, Turner, Elliott, Pizzarello (Sykes 85’), Danby, Dobson, Smith (Price 74’), Smart (C), Rousseau, Astle. Subs not used: Beacock, Fox.
Venue: Blainscough Park, Coppull United FC
Referee: C Cooper-Tonge
Booked: Searson (Chorley), Price (Leeds)
Leeds United Women were held to their first draw of this FAWNL Division One North season, on the road at Chorley Women.
Katie Astle had given the Whites a 1-0 lead just after the half hour mark, but Isabel Catlow popped up with an equaliser for Chorley in the second half to earn the hosts a point.
Astle was making her first start of the season for Leeds, one of three changes to the side as Simon Wood was once again forced into changes due to injuries.
Carrie Simpson and Abbie Brown were both ruled out with injuries picked up in last week’s win over Durham Cestria, whilst Paige Williams remained sidelined with a long-term injury and Macy Ellis missed out again with a knee issue.
After an impeccably observed minutes silence for Maddy Cusack, it was the Whites who started on top, dominating possession but were struggling to make any real clear-cut chances against an organised Chorley back five.
The breakthrough did come on 32 minutes, Sarah Danby whipped in a brilliant cross and Astle bravely threw herself at the ball, taking a whack in the process but opening her account for the season to put Leeds in front.
Ellie Dobson squandered a glorious opportunity before the break to double Leeds’ lead, in a first half that had very little goal-mouth action to report.
HALF TIME: Chorley Women 0-1 Leeds United Women
The hosts came out a lot brighter in the second half, showing more attacking intent. Lucy Turner had to show her defensive instincts to halt a Chorley attack, before Skye Kirkham was alert to claim a low cross.
However, the hosts managed to force an equaliser on 69 minutes, Catlow timed a run from right-wing-back well and beat Kirkham to the ball to prod home an equaliser.
Leeds looked to regain their lead but were limited to shots from range, first Kath Smith fired over before Dobson’s strike from 25 yards was well held by Mollie Finch.
Leeds would end up frustrated, leaving Chorley with only a point, but remain unbeaten on their travels in the 2023/24 season and will look to maintain that record with two more away fixtures coming up.
The Whites make the trip south to take on Peterborough in the FA Women’s National League Cup First Round next Sunday.
FULL TIME: Chorley Women 1-1 Leeds United Women
