A Vintage Performance for Leeds against the Ancients

A record attendance for a Leeds United Women’s game at the BD Community Stadium saw Leeds easily dispatch a despondent Norton & Stockton Ancients side. The big story though came off the pitch as former Leeds United youth player Ava Spencer-Smith returned to the club from Bradford City. Having netted 5 goals in as many games, Spencer-Smith adds even more fire power to the frontline which already includes the league’s top-scorer Amy Woodruff.

Leeds came into this having won their previous 10 matches. The Whites sat comfortably at the top of the table whilst the Ancients had struggled with fixtures on the road with their good home form putting them in mid-table. The Ancients’ goal this season is to avoid relegation and provide a good foundation for a promotion push in the future and a good performance against a strong Leeds side will give them confidence in their coming fixtures. Leeds, on the other hand, expect promotion this season and the signing of top striker Spencer-Smith shows their title aspirations.

Match Report:

Just the one change from the WFA Cup victory last week for Simon Wood’s side as top-scorer Woodruff replaces Abi Coley. From  kickoff, Leeds sped out of the blocks and put pressure on the Ancients who were able to defend sternly. Woodruff’s 14th minute strike broke the deadlock and put the Whites ahead. She got the better of her defender with a brilliant chip before her shot was blocked, but she easily tucked away the rebound. Going behind deflated an already-struggling Ancients side who saw Woodruff hit the post in the 18th minute. Twin sisters Drew and Darcie Greene combined to double United’s lead after 31 minutes. Darcie’s run on the left wing allowed her to play a wonderful cut back to find her sister. Drew’s shot was weak but the Ancients keeper was scrambling and could not keep it out. Leeds went into the break with a 2 goal advantage.

The second half never really got going: Leeds knew they had done the job in the first half and the Ancients looked devoid of enthusiasm. There were a few good chances for the Whites though as Chloe Dixon’s shot was saved and Brittany Sanderson’s hit the crossbar. Spencer-Smith came on just 2 hours after her signing was announced. No doubt, her arrival and near-instant debut were the highlights of this match. She performed well having come on with half an hour to go, helping Leeds maintain control of the game. Leeds continued to pepper the Ancients goal but were unable to find the back of the net and had to settle for a 2-0 victory.

Words, Photos and Graphics by Eddie Moxon