Leeds United Ladies 1-2 Liverpool Ladies
Friendly, Throstle Nest

Leeds lost to the odd goal in three as a their pre-season campaign brought them home to Throstle Nest.

With several key players unavailable for the fixture, the game gave manager Gemma Grainger a welcome opportunity to take a closer look at several fringe players as she continues to formulate her plans for the upcoming season.

Despite the threadbare nature of today’s squad and the visit of higher league opposition Leeds showed ample determination and skill to suggest there may be exciting times ahead for the club.

In an evenly matched opening stanza both sides enjoyed periods on top but found clear-cut chances difficult to come by. Leeds were unlucky not to break the deadlock in the 22nd minute when striker Carla Cantrell saw her right foot shot well saved when clean through on goal. Liverpool had chances of their own, the most notable of which saw a 30th minute Nicky Harden corner crash back off the post.

The second half sparked to life instantly as the visitors caught Leeds cold with a quick-fire double. In the 47th minute Liverpool centre back Jo Traynor rose above the defence to powerfully head home a beautifully flighted Nicky Harden corner. The second came less than a minute later as Gemma Watson drifted in from the left wing to calmly dispatch a clinical right foot shot past the advancing Jules Draycott.

Despite the setback Leeds dug deep and showed impressive determination to claw their way back into the game. Following a sustained period of pressure the Whites were able to halve the deficit in the 53rd minute when Jo Traynor was unable to deal with an incisive Carla Cantrell through ball. Despite being first to react the centre back was only able to poke a back pass agonizingly past the advancing keeper into the corner of her own net.

Further chances came Leeds’s way, but they were unable to find the equaliser as the visitors hung on for the victory.

Leeds manager Gemma Grainger was pleased the spirit her side displayed. “Overall I’m pleased by the performance today. It was a good game and a good work out. I was impressed by the attitude my players showed today. This performance sets us up nicely to kick off our League campaign in a positive manner.”