Leeds United Women held on for their first win of the 2020/21 season when they took on Durham Cestria at Global Stadium, thanks to a Laura Bartup goal in the 13th minute.

   

The hosts were at it from the off, when Bartup had a goal disallowed after just a minute for handball.

   

Durham then went close on two occasions, first through Lily Crosthwaite and then Dannika Purdham as they looked to take control of the game.

   

Leeds United took the lead on the 13th minute when Bartup fired home her second goal in as many games for the club since signing in the summer, following a smart free kick move.

   

Purdham then went close for the visitors as her strike went just over, before Abbie Brown was denied by a fantastic save from the Durham keeper, Brooke Mackain, after being put clean through. 

   

   

As the second half got underway, Durham had Leeds on the back foot early on, when Lauren Robson fired just over.

  

Goalscorer Bartup then went close twice in quick succession, first when she was denied from point blank range, before her shot from 25 yards was held by the keeper.

   

Leeds United keeper Skye Kirkham, who had nothing to do for the majority of the game, produced a brilliant save to deny Jordan Atkinson, before Ellen Turnbull fired over for Durham as the Whites held on for their first win of the new campaign. 

   

   

Leeds United: Skye Kirkham, Josephine Hewson, Cath Hamill, Jodie Hunter, Olivia Smart, Alice Hughes, Holly Findlay, Abbie Brown, Rebecca Hunt (Beth Clayton 87), Laura Bartup, Aaliyah Nolan (Anisha Hill 63). Unused subs: Kirsty Johnson, Kirstie Hunt.

   

Durham Cestria: Brooke Mackain, Jessica Holder (Amy Henderson 83), Megan Elliott, Hannah Greenwood, Grace Ayre, Molly Holder, Lauren Robson (Erin Nelson 73), Lily Crosthwaite, Dannika Purdham, Jordan Atkinson, Chloe Ryan (Ellen Turnbull 63). Unused subs: Anna King, Rebecca Henderson. 

  

Venue: Global Stadium 

Referee: Ben Brighton