Clare Sykes v Sunderland earlier this season

Leeds slipped off the top of the FA Women’s Premier League with a 2-0 defeat to nearest rivals Sunderland Women.

Sunderland regularly tested Leeds in the opening exchanges, before Sophie Williams broke through the Leeds defence on the left and rifled a shot past Jules Draycott in the 14th minute.

From the restart, Sunderland won a corner; as Leeds tried to clear the danger, the ball hit Leeds’s Faye Birkby and flew past Draycott.

Manager Chris Welburn opted to make two changes at half time, and although Leeds looked more likely to score in the last 15 minutes, Sunderland held firm for a win which takes them ahead of Leeds on goal difference and having played one game fewer.

“Sunderland had by far the better of the first half and were fearless and strong from 1 to 11 and we could not match that,” he said. “Second half we changed systems and improved, but the 2-0 advantage they had after the first 15 minutes proved to be enough.

“We are disappointed this evening, but pleased with the returns we have had so far this season as not many backed Leeds to do much this year. We will regroup this week and plan for Cardiff now as we look to achieve maximum points not just this Sunday coming but in our remaining four games.”

That game against Cardiff is due to kick off at 2pm on Sunday 18 December at Farsley AFC.