FAWNL Plate Semi-Final
Leeds United Women 2 (Woodruff 30' 88’)
Southampton Women 0
Leeds United Women: Simpson, Hindle, Hamill, Hannon, Smart, Price (Smith 46'), Whitham (Underwood 92'), Danby, Brown (Williams 78'), Ellis. Subs not used: Robson, Thomas.
Southampton Women: Luce, Kingshott (Tchuenkam 60'), Vokes, Whitton, Okoro, May (Whitlock 60'), Suominen, Kilby, Nassar, Tucker, Sievwright (Wylie 87'). Subs not used: Parker.
Referee: M Merriman
Booked: N/A
Venue: So-Trak Stadium
Attendance: 193
Leeds United Women booked their place a National Final for the first time since 2013, with a 2-0 win over Southampton Women.
Coming into the game, Rick Passmoor was looking for a reaction from Wednesday’s disappointing defeat at Stockport and that is exactly what he got from his players.
Amy Woodruff was the Whites’ hero in front of goal, netting in each half but a spirited performance all over the park saw Leeds through in an entertaining and closely-fought semi-final.
It was Woodruff that had the first sight of goal in the game, bursting into the box but firing over after three minutes. At the other end, Hope Suominen volleyed straight at Carrie Simpson.
Macy Ellis should have opened the scoring on 17 minutes, racing clear after good work from Danielle Whitham but only finding Sirens keeper Sara Luce with a weak attempt.
The Whites did take the lead on the half-hour mark, Whitham again with some good work in the middle of the park, she lofted a ball over the top to Woodruff who steadied herself to round Luce and slot into the empty net.
Leeds had a golden chance to make it two before the break when Woodruff and Brown combined with some lovely play, Brown turned her marker but dragged her shot wide.
HALF TIME: Leeds United Women 1 Southampton Women 0
Leeds refused to rely on their 1-0 lead and went in search of a second after half-time, Brown curled a shot goalwards that had to be pushed away by Luce.
The Sirens' stopper had to be alert again minutes later to deny Woodruff’s low shot from the edge of the box, tipping round her post at full stretch.
Brown was involved again as she searched for her ninth goal in five games, Ellis and Woodruff linked up on the edge of the box before Brown took the ball on but could only fire high and wide, off balance.
Southampton enjoyed a spell of pressure around the 70 minute mark, substitute Gabriella Tchunkam really should have levelled the scores but couldn’t find the target after a Leeds mix-up at the back. Simpson then had to be alert to save Suominen’s dipping long-range volley.
The visitors’ felt aggrieved by a penalty shout that was waved away on 88 minutes and to make things even more frustrating for them, Leeds broke and netted their second to seal the game.
Ellis' pace proved too much again for the Southampton defence. She cut the ball back to Woodruff who couldn’t make contact the first time, but got a second chance after a ricochet off a Southampton defender and made no mistake, smashing home to put the game beyond doubt and seal Leeds’ place in the final.
The Whites will face Stourbridge in the final, after they ran out 3-0 winners over Crawley Wasps in today’s other semi-final.
The Final will take place at Solihull Moors’ Armco Arena on Sunday 26th March. Further details on the fixture will be released in due course for supporters.
FULL TIME: Leeds United Women 2-0 Southampton Women
