County Cup Semi-Final
Leeds United Women 3 (Ramsden 2’, Smith 47’ pen, Brown 88’)
Bradford City Women 1 (Jakeman 11’)
Leeds: Wattam (GK), Hannon, Hamill (C), Smart, Hunt (Brown 65), Dobby (Robson 86), Smith, Bass, Ramsden, Danby, Bartup (Soares-Martins 77) Subs not used: Joyce, Williams.
Bradford: Kirkham (GK), Douglas (Scott 81), Woodcock (C), Jakeman, Norde, Knight (Thomas 70), Hawkins, Barringham-Beck, Stube, Gill, Prothero. Subs not used: Richards, Shepherd, Stuart.
Venue: Thorp Arch
Referee: A. Gibbons
Leeds United Women progressed into the County Cup final with a 3-1 win over West Yorkshire rivals Bradford City at Thorp Arch, on Sunday afternoon.
The sides were meeting for the second time in four days. After an entertaining 3-3 draw in the midweek league action, Dan O’Hearne wanted to see his side turn their attentions to the cup in this one.
His words of encouragement worked well, as Leeds made the perfect start to this tie when Katie Ramsden scored her second goal in as many games, firing in from an inch perfect Olivia Smart free kick with just over a minute on the clock.
However, despite the home side continuing to press forward, the visitors levelled through a cross-shot from Harriett Jakeman, which looped over Georgia Wattam and dipped into the net.
The rest of the half was a midfield battle with Leeds coming the closest when the ever-busy Smart’s long range effort was palmed away into the path of Sarah Danby, but the midfielder was unable to prod home.
The whistle to end the first 45 blew shortly after, sending the teams in level in this hard-fought and battling cup clash.
HALF TIME: Leeds United Women 1-1 Bradford City Women
Just like they had in the first, Leeds made the perfect start to the second period of play as well.
Cutting into the box from the left wing, Laura Bartup was only stopped from having her own chance on goal by being fouled. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot after the forward was clearly brought down.
Picking up the ball and showing confidence combined with composure, Kathryn Smith’s cool penalty sent opposition goalie Skye Kirkham the wrong way and putting Leeds back ahead in the semi-final.
The hosts had chances to make the game safe when Olivia Smart fired over after a brilliant cross from Ramsden, whilst Katy Woodcock then made a superb last ditch challenge to deny Smith an almost certain third.
The visitors were then reduced to ten players when Harriet Jakeman was given a second yellow card for chopping down substitute Abbie Brown, on the edge of the box.
Brown saw her shot palmed onto the crossbar by Kirkham, who had been having a busy afternoon between the posts.
With the match heading towards its conclusion and Leeds well in command, Sarah Danby shot narrowly over when well placed to make it three.
However, the third did finally arrive and progression to the final was secured. Lively since her second half introduction, Brown made the game safe two minutes from the end with a clever finish.
FULL TIME: Leeds United Women 3-1 Bradford City Women
