Vitality Women’s FA Cup

Leeds United Women 0

Durham Women 6 (Galloway 33’, 52’, Lambert 38’, 67’, Hepple 45’ pen, 69’)

Leeds: Joyce, Bass, Hamill (c), Hannon (Hunter 68’), Smart, K Hunt (Soares-Martins 75’), Smith, Danby, Nolan (Pearson 86’), Brown, Bartup (Williams 75’). Subs not used: Wattam, Trickett, Elliott.

Durham: Borthwick, Christon (Crosthwaite 60’), Briggs, Salickl, Robson (Hill 86’), Bradley (Ayre 67), Hepple, Brown (Holmes 60’), Galloway, Lambert, Roberts.

Venue: Global Autocare Stadium

Referee: J Brayshaw 

Leeds United Women exited the FA Cup at that third round stage, despite a spirited performance at home to Championship side Durham. 

Leeds took the game to their two-division superior visitors from the outset, with Aaliyah Nolan having her shot tipped round for a corner after seven minutes. 

United goalkeeper Lauren Joyce was then called into action as she saved smarty at the feet of Beth Hepple, as Durham began to look dangerous. 

Back down the other end, Abbie Brown then saw her free kick held by Megan Borthwick before Bridget Galloway gave Durham the lead, tapping home after after Hepple's shot had come back off the bar.  

One became two moments later, when Mollie Lambert fired in from inside the area, doubling the advantage for the away side.  

After Joyce had pulled off an outstanding save to again deny the lively Hepple, the ‘keeper couldn’t do anything moments later as Hepple did make it three from the penalty spot, after Christon was felled in area. 

A tough first 45 minutes for the Whites saw them go in three-goals down, having seen the visitors assert themselves on the match in a 12 minute spell before the interval. 

Half Time: Leeds United Women 0-3 Durham Women

Durham were on the attack at the start of the second period with Danielle Brown flashing a shot just wide, before Galloway then got her second and Durham’s fourth, tapping in from close range. 

Leeds to their credit kept going and Aaliyah Nolan was inches away from pulling one back after being put clean through.

Despite the best efforts of the Whites, the pressure kept coming from the Championship side and Lambert curled in her second of the game from the edge of the area on 67 minutes, to make it five.

Hepple then volleyed in her second two minutes later for the sixth and final goal of the game, sending Durham through comfortably to the next round. 

Full Time: Leeds United Women 0-6 Durham Women