FA Women’s National League Plate Final 

Leeds United Women 3 (Ellis 30', Brown 63’, Woodruff 73’)

Stourbridge Women FC 1 (Fishwick 34')

Leeds United Women: Simpson, Hindle, Hamill, Hannon, Smart (C), Williams (Underdown 90+3') , Whitham, Ellis (Robson 90+2'), Brown (Danby 83'), Smith, Woodruff (Elliott 90+5').

Stourbridge Women FC: Preston, Levick, Heaselgrove (Murphy 85'), Hadley (Bate 84'), Clarke, Moran (McGovern 60'), Lawrence (Glover 69'), Fishwick (Morley 84'), Nicklin, Rogers, Deasy.

Venue: ARMCO Arena 

Referee: G Thrower

Booked:  Smart, Brown, Whitham, Smith (Leeds)

Leeds United Women lifted the FA Women’s National League Plate after a 3-1 victory over FAWNL Division One Midlands leaders Stourbridge at the ARMCO Arena.

Goals from Macy Ellis, Abbie Brown and Amy Woodruff put a fantastic end to a superb cup run that had seen Leeds beat teams from all over the country, including AFC Fylde and West Bromwich Albion from the Division above.

Rick Passmoor made two changes from the side that beat Yorkshire rivals Bradford City last weekend, bringing in Rachel Hindle and Amy Woodruff for Savannah Robson and cup-tied Jess Rousseau.

Leeds started brightly and tested Stourbridge keeper Amie Preston within the opening two minutes, Olivia Smart’s free-kick was well parried away at full stretch.

Stourbridge responded with a free-kick of their own but Carrie Simpson was alert to hold Hannah Fishwick’s effort.

Leeds remained on top, Brown saw an effort pushed away by Preston and from the resulting corner, Kathryn Smith volleyed just wide.

The Whites’ pressure told on the half-hour mark as they took the lead when Woodruff’s shot was parried and Ellis was in the right place to tap home into an empty net.

🤩 Ellis gives #LUFCW the lead! pic.twitter.com/Cp64YxBJ0I

— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 26, 2023

Stourbridge responded with their best spell, Zoe Clarke saw an effort fizz just wide after a flowing move, and the Glassgirls did find a leveller on 34 minutes later when Fishwick gave Simpson no chance with a curling effort from 30 yards out.

The Whites regained control of the game and were close to going in front before half time when Brown’s free-kick whistled inches past the post. 

HALF TIME: Leeds United Women 1-1 Stourbridge FC Women

The Whites came out on top again after half time, Woodruff was close to a stunning goal when her left footed effort dipped just over.

Leeds re-took the lead on 63 minutes when Woodruff dug out a cross to the back post, Preston couldn’t gather and Brown was there to convert her 14^th of the season. 

🙌 2-1! Real composure from Brown! pic.twitter.com/9biF7TF7zm

— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 26, 2023

Stourbridge again responded well to conceding and nearly levelled the scores again, Clarke with some determined individual work before she unleashed a powerful effort from range that crashed off the crossbar. 

The Whites put the game to bed on 73 minutes with the pick of their goals, Ellis did brilliantly down the right hand side and delivered perfectly on to the head of Woodruff who guided her header into the bottom corner, giving Preston no chance.

🔥 "Ohhh yessss! Amy Woodruff!" pic.twitter.com/XuvE7YI8et

— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 26, 2023

Simpson made a big save to prevent Stourbridge getting a goal back, standing tall and getting a hand to substitute Lyndsey Glover’s attempted lob.

Leeds managed the game brilliantly to secure a first piece of silverware in the first season under manager Rick Passmoor.

The Whites now look to see out the league season with a strong finish, they are back in action next Sunday with a trip to Chorley.

FULL TIME: Leeds United Women 3-1 Stourbridge FC Women