FAWNL Division One North

Durham Cestria 1 (Knowles 28’)

Leeds United Women 2 (Bartup 69’, 78’)

Durham: Mackain (GK), Knowles, Elliott, Nicholson, Atkinson, Ayre, Crostwaite (Vince 63), Turnbull, Donald, Richardson, Mackie (Met 89). Subs not used: King, Bell, Hargrave.

Leeds: Joyce (GK), Hindle, Bass, Hamill (C), Smart, Ramsden, Smith, Underdown (Hunt 90+2), Robson (Williams 60), Danby (Hannon 94), Bartup.

Venue: Maiden Castle

Referee: B Jakavs

Leeds United showed superb character as they came from a goal down to win 2-1 away at Durham Cestria, following a brace from striker Laura Bartup.

Leeds were looking to bounce back from their last visit to the North East and took the game to Durham early with Sarah Danby firing across the face of goal after five minutes.

Laura Bartup couldn’t convert from a corner three minutes later as the Whites continue to pressure.

Goalkeeper Lauren Joyce then spread herself well to deny Ellen Turmbull, before Jen Knowles gave Durham the lead when her free kick was deflected in.

Joyce then got down well to deny Knowles a second as the hosts went in at the break in front, meaning Leeds United Women had work to do in the second half.

HALF TIME: Durham Cestria 1-0 Leeds United Women

Dan O’Hearne’s side started on the attack in the second half with Olivia Smart seeing her free kick held well, before Bartup had her header saved as the forward continued to look dangerous in front of goal.

The visitors kept pressing and finally got a deserved leveller when the lively Bartup turned smartly in the area before firing in on 69 minutes.

Just 10 minutes later, it was a complete turnaround when Bartup got her second of the game. United’s top-scorer scrambled in from a corner to give Leeds the lead for the first time in the match.

There was one final scare for O’Hearne’s side late in the game, when Atkinson headed just wide.

The relief was evident when the full-time whistle was blown, meaning Leeds had held on for all three points.

FULL TIME: Durham Cestria 1-2 Leeds United Women