Leeds United v BCWFC

​By Chris Routlegde

After weeks of waterlogged pitches City had their cup game moved from a home fixture at Eccleshill Utd to the artificial pitch at Thorpe Arch. City hadn’t played a game for over 3 weeks due to the weather whilst Leeds had been comprehensively beaten by Barnsley in the FA cup last weekend.

City were slow to start on the unfamiliar surface and Leeds had most of the ball in the early stages, Leeds had a couple of early chances, hitting the post from a corner and having a cross come shot spectacularly tipped round the post by keeper Aimee Routledge. Leeds did get the breakthrough on the half hour when a cross from the right was slotted home at the far post. Bradford didn’t have to wait long for Leeds to put the ball in the net for a second time only it was their own net! A straight forward back pass caught the Leeds keeper unawares and the ball rolled agonisingly over the line for an equaliser.

Half time 1-1

City started the second half with a bit more purpose and were starting to compete more in the midfield, this did leave some gaps at the back and Leeds scored twice in 2 minutes with 2 very different goals, a tap in and a 25 yard strike that skidded through on the wet surface. Leeds capped of the scoring with a penalty 10 minutes later.

On the whole Leeds were deserved winners but towards the end of the game Falone Sumaili was brought on to bring some much needed pace to the City attack and she combined well Monika Stube and Harriett Jakeman to put the Leeds defence under pressure but Leeds held out for the final 15 minutes to go through to the next round of the FA NWL plate.

Full time 4-1

City line-up: Routledge(c), Shepherd, Woodcock, Parrish, Maxted, Sales, Hunt, Stube, Norde, Jakeman, White

Subs(all used): Dyson, Prothero, Sumaili