Women’s FA Cup

West Didsbury & Chorlton 2 (Gunn 20’, L. Ainscow 47’)

Leeds United 6 (Astle 11’, 66’, 75’, Own Goal 52’, Danby 56’, Smith 69’)

West Didsbury: Dickin (GK), Soñes Devally, Mason (C), Vyas, Hodges (Bracegirdle 73’), Ritchie, Kerr, L. Ainscow, Wilson, Thompson, Gunn. Subs not used: Jefferson (GK), Dolan, Brown, R. Ainscow, Caddick, Allman.

Leeds: Kirkham (GK), Pizzarello, Jakeman, Smart (C) (Keating 83’), Dobson, Elliott, Turner, Smith (Price 79’), Danby, Astle (Langstaff 88’), Rousseau. Subs not used: Charlesworth (GK), Waldron.

Venue: Brookburn Road

Attendance: 470

Referee: Lee Hurst

Leeds United Women convincingly beat West Didsbury & Chorlton on Sunday afternoon, thanks to goals from Sarah Danby, Kathryn Smith and a fantastic hat-trick from Katie Astle.

A strong showing saw Simon Wood’s side run out 6-2 winners, as they progress to the next round of the Women’s FA Cup.

Leeds got out the traps quickly and were straight onto the front foot. Danby delivered a dangerous corner, from which Astle climbed the highest and her header cannoned off the woodwork.

Just a minute later, Astle put the Whites in the lead this time! Some great play down the left set Harriet Jakeman away, she delivered a low ball across the face of goal and the forward was there to convert from close range.

Leeds were really pushing forward and nearly doubled their lead two minutes later. Kathryn Smith looked to create a shooting opportunity from range, she did just that and her effort thundered off the cross-bar. 

Against the run of play, the hosts drew the game level. Taylor Gunn was fouled in the area, and she stepped up to take the penalty, slotted it away. 

Astle continued to cause problems for the hosts, she was once again on the end of a corner, but her header flew just wide.

Leeds had a flurry of shots on target towards the end of what was a dominant half for the visitors, but they went into the break level, looking to turn chances into goals in the second half at Brookburn Road.

HALF TIME: West Didsbury & Chorlton 1-1 Leeds United Women

Both sides came out for the second half unchanged, but it was the hosts who would strike first. Louise Ainscow picked the ball up on the edge of the box and volleyed into the back of the net to put her side in front.

Just five minutes later and Leeds were back level. The visitors did well to keep a corner alive as another cross was delivered, and a West Didsbury defender turned the ball into her own net.

Leeds then dominated and took the lead on the 56^th minute! Smith laid it off to Danby and she hit a left-footed strike from range into the top corner.

The Whites then looked to put their lower league opponents to the sword and did so, when Astle added her second of the afternoon. Olivia Smart produced a deep cross towards the back post and Astle was there to convert.

Three minutes later, Leeds then had their fifth of the afternoon! Smith picked up a loose ball, took a touch out of her feet and unleashed an effort into the top corner, leaving the keeper with no chance.

In the 75^th minute, Astle completed a superb hat-trick, to make it a great afternoon for her and the Whites as she put the side 6-2 up. Smart once again delivered a cross to the back post and from close range, the striker couldn’t miss.

Leeds saw out the rest of the game well and the referee blew his whistle on what was a convincing win for the Whites. This result means that they progress into the Second Round of the 2023/24 Women’s FA Cup. 

FULL TIME: West Didsbury & Chorlton 2-6 Leeds United Women