Leeds United Women beat York City Ladies 4-3 after a late Brittany Sanderson goal helped them withstand a second-half fightback at the BD Community Stadium. Amy Woodruff scored twice and Alayna Millard opened her account for the season as Leeds returned to winning ways in FA WNL Division One North.
The result came after a goalless draw at AFC Fylde. This time Leeds built a commanding first-half lead, but York made them work for the three points. Sanderson’s finish gave the hosts breathing room before Ruby Shannon’s late reply set the final score.
Our report of the preceding Norton victory covered the run that took Leeds into the Fylde and York games.
Leeds United Women take control against York
Simon Wood brought Izzy Dean into the starting line-up after her return from injury. The defender made her first start since that setback, with Leeds seeking a response to the draw at Fylde.
Millard put Leeds ahead in the 24th minute. Woodruff then struck twice, leaving the hosts three goals clear at the break. The club’s report describes both of her goals before half-time.
That first-half advantage reflected Leeds’ ability to put York under pressure. Wood praised the press his players had worked on and the different ways they found through the visitors’ back line. He also felt Leeds had passed up chances to make the lead bigger.
York fight back after the break
Holly Mears made an important save early in the second half. At the other end, Woodruff went close to a hat-trick after Drew Greene’s pass, but York goalkeeper Wallace closed the space and kept her out.
Hope Knight pulled a goal back for York before Ella Martin added another. Between those replies, Monique Watson hit the crossbar with a looping volley. A game Leeds had controlled was suddenly much tighter.
Wood acknowledged that his side had a difficult spell. He said the players had to solve problems, change shape and settle themselves before they could return to the way they wanted to play.
Sanderson gives Leeds a vital fourth goal
Sanderson came off the bench and supplied the finish Leeds needed. She took Woodruff’s cushioned pass and guided a first-time effort into the bottom corner.
Leeds continued to threaten, with Greene winning a corner after a deflected effort. Shannon then scored for York in the closing seconds, but the final whistle followed soon afterwards. The visitors’ third goal did not take away Leeds’ three points.
For Wood, the value of the night went beyond protecting the lead. The comeback gave his players a chance to study how the game had turned against them and how they had brought it back under control.
What comes next for Leeds United Women?
Leeds are due to host Rotherham United Women in the FA Cup first round on Sunday 1 November, with the club listing a 2pm kick-off. Wood said the tie would offer a chance to rotate and give players who had worked hard in training an opportunity to start.
He did not treat rotation as a reason to lower expectations. His message was that Leeds still needed to stay switched on and impose their game. The York victory gives them a win to build on, alongside clear lessons from the second half.
Sources: Leeds United’s match report and Simon Wood’s post-match reaction.
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