Leeds United Women were made to settle for a 2–2 draw against Norton & Stockton Ancients in the FA Women’s National League Cup.
It was a game full of drama, with both teams fighting hard and late goals shaping the result.
Flying Start for Leeds
The match could not have started better for Leeds. In only the second minute, Alice Hughes gave the Whites the lead.
She met Ellie White’s free kick with a perfect header at the back post, and the ball went straight into the net.
It was the dream start and gave Leeds confidence to push forward.
Ten minutes later, Amy Woodruff nearly doubled the advantage.
She pressed the Norton defence, stole the ball, and broke through, but her low shot just missed the post.
Leeds were well on top, and more chances followed.
Abbie Graham worked her way into the box and forced strong defending, while Hughes tested the keeper again from distance.
But despite the pressure, Leeds could not add to their lead before the break.
Norton finally threatened late in the half when Eve Marshall ran through on goal, but her strike went wide.
Leeds went into half-time 1–0 up and looked the better side.
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Second Half Full of Action
The second half became much more open. Marshall again got in behind the Leeds defence early on but failed to score.
Leeds thought they had extended their lead in the 57th minute, but the flag was raised, and the goal was ruled out for offside.
Norton made Leeds pay a few minutes later. From a set piece, the ball dropped to Georgia Rae in the box.
She smashed it past Carrie Simpson in the Leeds goal to make it 1–1.
Leeds responded straight away. In the 68th minute, Graham showed real determination to beat the Norton keeper to the ball and tapped into an empty net. The Whites were back in front at 2–1.
But just as it looked like Leeds would win, heartbreak came in the 90th minute.
A close-range finish from Erin Green made it 2–2, and Leeds had to leave with only a point.
What This Result Means
Leeds will be frustrated not to take the victory after leading twice.
They started strong and created enough chances to win the match, but late defending cost them.
Still, there were positives. Hughes was excellent at the back and scored the opener, while Graham worked tirelessly and got her reward with a goal.
The team showed spirit and energy throughout, but lapses at key moments hurt them.
The Whites will now look to regroup and tighten up at the back.
If they can cut out the late mistakes, results like this could easily turn into wins.
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