Leeds United Ladies 1-0 Coventry City Ladies
FA Women’s Premier League National Division
at Ossett Town FC

A last-gasp 91st minute goal from Carey Huegett saw Leeds bounce back from their opening day defeat with an entertaining 1-0 home win over Coventry City.

Playing at home but ‘on the road’ in Osset Albion’s Stade France ground, Leeds made an encouraging start to the game as an early onslaught saw them create many chances to open the scoring.

With only 10 minutes on the clock dynamic Leeds midfielder Rachel Lee turned neatly to create enough space to drill a well struck left foot shot narrowly past the post, before curling another left foot strike only inches past the other post.  Leeds debutant Danielle Sheen was released by a neat ball from Huegett, only to see her right foot shot dragged wide of the near post.

Despite their early promise Leeds were lucky not to fall behind in the 22nd minute when Coventry failed to convert a pair of good chances. Nicole Dale was unlucky to see her instinctive snap shot loop agonizingly back off the bar before midfielder Helen Dermody blazed over from the rebound having found herself free with the Leeds defence static.

Leeds began the second half with the same ambition as the first; Sheen came within inches of converting a Tanya Rich cross, skipper Clare Sykes blasted over the bar following more neat work from Rich, then Holbrook and Huegett combined well only to see Holbrook’s shot deflected narrowly past the post.

Leeds continued to press forward and with 76 minutes played Danielle Sheen had her third clear cut chance of the game. This time the winger did everything right only to see Coventry keeper Wood miraculously deflect her shot past the post.

In the end it took a miscommunication between Wood and her centre half Kimberley Walton for Leeds to get the goal their efforts deserved. Following great work down the right hand side from young second half substitute Abbie McIver, fullback Emma Lipman capitalised on the Coventry pair’s hesitation to collect the ball and play in  Huegett who was left to stroke home from only six yards out.

“I’m absolutely delighted with both the result and the performance,” said Leeds manager Andy Burgess after the game. “We weren’t happy with the performance last week so it was vital that this week we came out and showed the desire and passion needed to be successful at this level. I couldn’t have asked for more from the girls today, it’s great to get our first points on the board.”

Next up for Leeds is their opening Premier League Cup group stage game, back at Throstle Nest, on Sunday 2 September.