Clare Sykes v Sunderland

The Premier League Cup group stage continued at Throstle Nest on Sunday as the two favourites for progression played out an entertaining 1-1 draw.

With the two teams currently occupying the top two spots in the Premier League table expectations of a competitive contest proved to be well founded as both teams confounded the difficult damp conditions to serve up plenty of energy, skill and commitment.

Having suffered defeat at the hands of the visitors in the pair’s previous encounter Leeds came roaring out the blocks and after only eleven minutes of play strung together some beautiful passing to release Captain Clare Sykes whose intuitive though-ball enabled striker Carey Huegett to test the visiting keeper Rachel Lowes with a well struck first time effort.

As Leeds continued to have the better of possession they continued to create chances and came close to opening the scoring with two great chances within a matter of seconds. Firstly on 22 minutes winger Leah Galton exploded past her opposing fullback to find enough space to strike on goal but was unlucky to see her left foot shot roll wide of the far post. Moments later a neat lay off from Huegett enabled Sykes to strike a wonderful long range effort which was well tipped over by Lowes.

On 31 minutes, somewhat against the run of play, Sunderland opened the scoring with an exceptional solo effort from left winger Nicola Devine. As Sunderland broke quickly following a poor Leeds pass, the winger picked up the ball before driving into the left hand side of the box and curling an exquisite left foot shot into the far corner of the net.

The goal seemed to spur Sunderland on as they slowly began to gain more possession. Despite the setback Leeds continued to press forward and almost snatched an equaliser in the final moments of the half as Sykes was able to hook a right foot shot on target from a Stacey Emmonds Corner only to see the acrobatic effort headed away by the defender on the post.

Following the break Sunderland began well and as a result started to push the hosts deeper into their own half. The visitors looked to be taking control as they continued to push forward until a 60th minute break away saw striker Carey Huegett clean through on goal only to see Sunderland centre half Sarah McFadden pull off an incredible last ditch tackle from behind to steal the ball from the toes of the Leeds forward.

In the 70th minute Leeds dragged themselves level as their combativeness and determination paid dividends with midfielder Hayley Sharp slotting home from close range. The goal was somewhat scrappy as both Leah Galton and Carey Huegett tenaciously battled for a near post Stacey Emmonds free kick before the ball dropped neatly for Huegett who showed good strength before squaring to the unmarked Sharp.

Both teams had half chances to win it as time ran out. Firstly McFadden was unlucky to see her looping back header cannon back off the post following an 80th minute corner whilst in the dying seconds of the game Leeds somehow managed to mess up a three on one counter attack.

“I was pleased with the first half performance but disappointed to have conceded from an error like that,” said Leeds manager Chris Welburn. “Overall I thought we could have taken all three points and deserved to do so but we’ll take the point.”