FAWNL Division One North
FC United of Manchester Women 2 (Flanagan 13’, Hayes 75’)
Leeds United Women 3 (Woodruff 8’, Bartup 10’, Hamill 90+5’)
FC United: Ainsworth (Camp 82’), Mather, Marsh, Patient, Hayes, Chambers (C), Ogdon, L Smith (O. Smith 87’), Flanagan, O'Gara, Kelly. Subs not used: Rigby, Hall, Diorio.
Leeds: Joyce (GK), Bass, Hamill (C), Hindle, Smart, Danby (Underdown 69’), Dobby, Smith (Robson 90’), Bartup (Soares-Martins 89), Ramsden, Woodruff (Williams 87’).
Venue: Broadhurst Park
Referee: D. McCall
A late, late header from captain fantastic Cath Hamill claimed all three points for Leeds United Women in a magnificent match away at FC United of Manchester.
The game started at a frantic pace with Emily Marsh volleying just over from 10 yards for the hosts, in a match they were looking to win to escape any danger at the wrong end of the FAWNL Division One North table.
Leeds took the lead a minute later when Amy Woodruff picked up a loose ball and rounded the keeper, before firing into an empty net to put her side ahead!
It was two moments later, when top scorer Laura Bartup volleyed in after a fantastic cross from Woodruff who turned provider this time for her strike partner.
The game was end to end and FC United pulled one back when Chelsea Flanagan fired in after a Kirsty Chambers free kick had initially cannoned back off the bar.
Olivia Smart then had to be alert to clear off the line from Ellie Kelly and she did so superbly, before Carl Ogdon flashed a shot across the fact of goal for the hosts as they continued to search for a leveller.
Leeds had chances to increase the lead before break but Kathryn Smith fired wide and Bartup volleyed over from six yards out, meaning the scores stayed the same and Dan O’Hearne’s side went in ahead at the interval.
Half Time: FC United of Manchester Women 1-2 Leeds United Women
The second half started at the same pace as the first with Bartup denied by a fine save from Chloe Ainsworth, after being put clean through on goal.
It was almost two apiece seconds later, but Kirsty Chambers shot wide from the edge of the area for the Reds.
Leeds had another chance when Katie Ramsden was through on goal, but she couldn't beat the impressive Ainsworth either.
When the young winger did beat the goal, Ramsden’s controlled, curling shot was inches wide of the goal as Leeds looked for a third in the match.
The missed chances were punished and Ash Hayes headed in the equaliser from eight yards out for FC United, to set up a grandstand finish, with both teams looking for a winner.
Controversy followed inside the final 10 minutes of the match when Smart, who had been impressive throughout for Leeds, was dismissed.
Despite being a player down for the remaining 10 minutes plus added time, the Whites had one last trick as Cath Hamill headed in from a corner, sparking jubilant celebrations and securing Leeds all three points.
Full Time: FC United of Manchester Women 2-3 Leeds United Women
