FAWNL Division One North
Middlesbrough Women 2 (Dawson 31', Maxwell 45')
Leeds United Women 2 (Williams 73', Smith 80')
Leeds United Women: Simpson (GK), Smart, Hamill, Hannon, HIndle, Smith, Danby, Whitham, Williams, Robson (Underdown 46'), Rousseau. Subs not used: Elliot.
Middlesbrough Women: Dunn (GK), Ward, Harraty, Foster, Robson, Whitaker (Pennock 82'), Weufrel, Marshall (C), Maxwell, Mett, Dawson (Rodgers 70'). Subs not used: Heslop, Povey.
Venue: Map Group UK Stadium, Stockton Town FC
Referee: B Brighton
Leeds United Women fought back to salvage a 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough, thanks to second half goals from Paige Williams and Kathryn Smith.
Rick Passmoor made two changes from the side that were beaten by Norton on Wednesday, with Cath Hamill returning to the starting eleven to partner Bridie Hannon at centre-back, whilst Savannah Robson started on the wing.
The hosts started brightly, with their lively front three of Jess Mett, Jess Dawson and Armani Maxwell looking dangerous. Within the first five minutes, Dawson had come close to connecting with Mett’s cross and Maxwell saw a speculative volley fly over.
Leeds almost took the lead on 15 minutes when Kathryn Smith was played in by a clever free-kick, she lofted the ball over onrushing keeper Kayley Dunn but the ball bounced back off the post, seconds later Danielle Whitham fired just over from 25 yards out.
It was the hosts that took the lead though on 31 minutes, a beautiful cross from Mett found Dawson in the box, she saw her first effort saved by Simpson but smashed in the rebound.
Leeds responded well to going behind and almost levelled within seconds, Smith turning on the edge of the box and driving towards the bottom corner but Dunn got down well to tip round the post.
Boro doubled their lead on the stroke of half time, Maxwell capitalising on a mistake at the back to slot home.
HALF TIME: Middlesbrough Women 2-0 Leeds United Women
Passmoor turned to his bench as he looked for a second half reaction from his side, he brought on Kanisha Underdown for Savanna Robson and it was the midfielder who had the first chance of the second half, glancing over from Olivia Smart’s corner.
It was to be an end to end second half. At the other end Anna Wuerfel rattled the Leeds crossbar from 25 yards before Carrie Simpson saved from point-blank range to deny Maxwell.
The Whites got a foothold back in the game on 73 minutes, Paige Williams with a cross from the right that sailed over the head of Dunn and in off the post.
The Whites wouldn’t have to wait long for their leveller. On 80 minutes, Underdown picked out Smith in the box a lovely ball and the number 10 coolly brought the ball down before slotting into the bottom corner with the outside of her right foot.
The end-to-end nature of the game continued though, with Boro almost retaking the lead on 86 minutes. Substitute Amber Rodgers with a stunning volley that rattled the Leeds bar for a second time.
It was Leeds that looked the most likely to win it in the late stages. Jess Rousseau had a golden chance on 89 minutes when Smart slid the ball across but Dunn saved her effort from six yards out.
Rousseau was in the thick of the action two minutes later as Leeds had a penalty shout waved away. Boro failed to deal with another dangerous Smart corner, the ball broke to Rousseau who was bundled over but the referee dismissed Leeds’ claims.
Leeds couldn’t find a winner but will be content with a point on the road after back-to-back defeats.
Next up for Passmoor’s side is another midweek fixture, as they travel to Hull City on Thursday night.
FULL TIME: Middlesbrough Women 2-2 Leeds United Women
