Leeds United Women made it ten consecutive wins in all competitions with a 2-0 victory over Norton & Stockton Ancients on Sunday. Amy Woodruff and Drew Greene scored before half-time at the BD Community Stadium to keep Leeds at the top of FA Women’s National League Division One North.
The result sets up a top-two meeting away at AFC Fylde Women next week. Leeds will travel with another clean sheet behind them after a game in which both the scoreline and the chances reflected their control.
Leeds United Women take control before the break
Leeds United Women made one change from the previous victory over Stockton Town Ladies, with Woodruff returning to the starting line-up. Abi Coley moved to the bench, and the league’s leading scorer quickly gave the hosts a threat in behind Norton’s defence.
The breakthrough came after 14 minutes. Woodruff lifted the ball over her marker, saw her shot deflect into the air and followed the chance to the goal line to finish. She then struck the post as Leeds pushed for a second.
Greene doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute. Darcie Greene’s run down the left created the opening, with her pass across goal leaving Drew to tap into an empty net. Norton goalkeeper Laura Wareham kept the visitors in the contest with saves from Alayna Millard and Monique Watson.
Leeds keep pushing after half-time
Leeds United Women could not add to their two-goal lead, but there were further chances. Brittany Sanderson hit the crossbar with a deflected effort, Watson had a shot diverted narrowly wide and captain Shauna Legge headed just past the post from a late corner.
Simon Wood also brought on Ava Spencer-Smith around the hour, giving the forward her first appearance since returning from Bradford City Women. Coley and Smith followed from the bench later in the second half.
The attendance was 281. Woodruff’s opener and Greene’s second proved enough, with Leeds seeing out the match without conceding.
Leeds United Women face Fylde test after tenth straight win
The next league meeting offers a different test against another side near the top. For Leeds United Women, the task is to carry the same first-half efficiency into that away game while keeping the defensive discipline that secured this result.
Match details: Leeds United’s official Norton match report. For more on the women’s game at Leeds, read our guide to Leeds United Women and player pay.
.jpg){kind=link}
Comment of the Month: paid subscribers vote monthly, and the best comment wins a £20 store voucher. See the rules