Leeds United Women returned from lockdown to defeat Stockport County 4-3 in a thrilling encounter.

The Whites showed brilliant character to come from behind three times before a Rebecca Hunt strike ensured they came away with all the points.

The visitors playing their first game in six weeks started brightly with Aaliyah Nolan causing Stockport problems on the right hand side.

It was the home side who struck first after 11 minutes through Sophie Charlton’s half volley. Leeds came close to a leveller when Laura Bartup headed wide from a corner. Parity was restored when Olivia Smart’s cross from the left was spilled into the net.

The scores stayed level for only three minutes as Keeley Goodwin fired Stockport back in front with a low drive. The lead didn’t last long as Aaliyah Nolan levelled matters with a brilliant finish from 25 yards.

Olivia Wild then picked up on a loose ball, rounded Kirkham and tapped the ball into an empty net to give the hosts the lead for a third time. Leeds almost levelled in stoppage time when Nolan’s shot was cleared off the line.

Half Time: Stockport County Ladies 3 Leeds United Women 2

Leeds brought on Molly Havard at the interval and it paid off four minutes later as she tapped gone from a corner to make it 3-3.

The Whites finally took the lead for the first time in the 57th minute when Laura Bartup picked up a loose pass, fed it through to Rebecca Hunt who smashed in from the edge of the area.

It was almost five when Bartup forced Myler to turn her shot for a corner. Despite some late pressure, Leeds held out for a memorable win. 

Full Time: Stockport County Ladies 3 Leeds United Women 4