FAWNL Division One North

Leeds United Women 4 (Smart 11’, Rousseau 18’, Pizzarello 60’, Smith 79’ pen)

FC United of Manchester Women 1 (Dill 30’)

Leeds: Simpson (GK), Hindle, Turner, Jakeman (Fox 79’), Smart (C), Smith, Dobson (Langstaff 85’), Danby, Astle, Rousseau (Waldron 90’), Pizzarello (Dias 90’). Subs not used: Kirkham (GK).

FCUM: Donald (GK), Carlin, Carrington, Jein, Ford, Kershaw, Reeves, Donnelly (Hamer 55’), Walton (Bowater 80’), Ritchie, Dill (Wildin 80’). Subs not used: Keating, Baxter.

Venue: Bannister Prentice Stadium

Attendance: 189

Referee: C. Salmons

Booked: Kershaw, Carington (FCUM)

Sent-off: Carington (FCUM)

Leeds United Women returned to home turf in the FA Women’s National League Division One North, taking on FC United of Manchester Women on Wednesday evening. 

The Whites came into the match looking to bounce back from defeat last time out, having lost out by a single goal in a seven-goal encounter with Hull City at the weekend.

FC United were also aiming to find the winning formula in this one, having suffered a loss at home to Stockport County by a two-goal margin in their previous game.  

Simon Wood’s side were looking to start quickly in this one and did just that, controlling much of the early possession and in doing so, created the first chances of the game. 

Early shots from Kath Smith and Katie Astle didn’t trouble the opposition too much, but just after the first 10 minutes of the game had been played, the opener did arrive.

Wearing the armband as always, captain Olivia Smart pushed up from her fullback position, before cutting inside and curling and unstoppable left-footed effort into the top corner.

It wouldn’t be long before the Whites made it two, through top-scorer Jess Rousseau. The chance was created by Astle who raced down the left-wing and crossed low into the box and found the striker, who controlled, turned and smashed beyond Sophie Donald to double the lead. 

After going two goals behind, the visitors then came back into the game. Back between the posts after injury, Carrie Simpson superbly turned Rebecca Donnelly’s effort onto the post. 

However, the ‘keeper couldn’t stop the next one, as Keunna Dill was played into space and did well to slot beyond Simpson into the back of the net. 

Wood’s side enjoyed much of the play for the remainder of the half and did create further chances, with both Rousseau and Smart once again trying their luck, but no further goals came before the interval. 

HALF TIME: Leeds United Women 2-1 FC United of Manchester Women

Out for the second half, the visitors had an early chance to equalise. From a corner, Shaunna Jein leapt highest and her header was cleared off the line by Charly Pizzarello. 

After the defender had helped her side out defending her own goal, she then made just as much of an impact at the other end to score her first goal for the club.

Having scored in the first half, Smart turned provider this time by picking out her fellow fullback on the opposite wing, allowing Pizzarello to race onto the ball before smashing low into the bottom corner to give Leeds a two-goal lead.

A frantic few minutes would then follow. Abbie Carington dived in on Smart and was carded for it, before then moments later, she would do the same again and receive a second yellow card, meaning FC United were down to 10 players. 

The second challenge was in the box, so a penalty was awarded, from which Kathryn Smith stepped up and coolly slotted home to get a fourth goal for Leeds!

Three-goals ahead and with a player advantage, the Whites continued to dominate in the final moments of the game, but no more goals arrived and the full-time whistle sounded to confirm the three points and a return to winning ways. 

Leeds will now next be in action in 10 days time, beginning their FA Cup journey at home to Chester FC in a Third Round Qualifying clash at the Bannister Prentice Stadium in Garforth. 

FULL TIME: Leeds United Women 4-1 FC United of Manchester Women