Match reportA youthful Leeds Reserve side fell heartbreakingly short in their efforts to retain this seasons Yorkshire Cup as cross city rivals the Leeds City Vixens emerged from Tuesday nights final at Woodlesford with a comprehensive 4-1 victory.

In truth the inexperienced Leeds side were always second best as they found it difficult to break down a well organised and athletic Vixens side. In particular the Vixens bossed a highly competitive midfield battle as their experience and superior ball retention allowed them to switch the angles of their attack and dictate the pace of play.

After a lively opening to the match in which both sides had decent moments, the Vixens struck a first half hammer blow with two goals in five minutes. The first came after 17 minutes of play as Vixens Captain Nat Hague converted from the spot. The second saw midfielder Meganne Paul find a clinical finish to a flowing counter attacking move following decent work from striker Stacey Daniel.

Facing an uphill second half task Leeds fate was all but sealed within two minutes of the restart as Meganne Paul scored her second of the game. The midfielder calmly slotted home having found herself unmarked at the far post following Leeds inability to clear a routine ball into the near post area.

Leeds young guns however proved they are made of stern stuff as they refused to stop believing they could turn things in their favour. On 72 minutes their efforts were rewarded as Sarah Cromack pulled one back for the Whites, the substitute forward left to tap into an unprotected net following a misdirected clearance from Vixens keeper Carrie Simpson.

Within three minutes the Vixens extinguished all hope of a remarkable comeback as Daniel capitalised on Leeds inability to clear their lines. The hard working forward was left alone in the six yard box to volley home a winner and seal a well deserved win for last season’s beaten finalists.

To their credit Leeds continued to battle and provided Vixens keeper Simpson ample opportunity to make amends for her earlier mistake with a string of top class saves.

Manager Gemma Grainger was gracious in defeat and looked forward to seeing her side learn from the experience. “While it’s always difficult to lose a final, I don’t think anyone could argue that the best team on the night won,” she said.

“I’m always proud of this season’s effort levels and today was no exception. We’re a very young side and this experience will be a valuable learning tool. The most important thing is that we continue to improve and put all our efforts into finishing our season in the best fashion possible.”

Match report by Jamie Gillham