First team squad photo at Elland Road, 2012-13
Leeds United Ladies FC 2-1 Manchester City Ladies FC
FA Women’s Premier League
Thursday 02.05.13, K.O. at 19:45
From Elland Road, Leeds
A 79th minute Rachel Lee penalty was enough to see Leeds to a deserved victory as they celebrated their Elland Road debut with a 2-1 win over Manchester City.
Played in front of an enthusiastic 765 crowd Leeds clicked straight into gear as they opened the scoring after only 7 minutes of play. Forward Danielle Sheen capitalising on the slightest hesitation in the Manchester City defence to neatly poke home past the advancing keeper.
Undeterred by going behind early visitors Manchester City quickly answered back as lively winger Sarah Buffel showed great acceleration to drive between two Leeds defenders on the left flank before steadying herself to thump a 17th minute right foot shot into the top right hand corner of the net.
A competitive and entertaining encounter then ebbed and flowed with Leeds edging the quality of chances. Leeds midfielder Hayley Sharp showed great determination and drive into the box when she came close with a 38th minute header and Danielle Sheen almost added her second with a well struck 43rd minute volley.
The half time break did little to quell Leeds impetus as they created some decent early second half chances. Danielle Sheen stung the palms of City keeper Andrea Worrall from a tight angle on 53 minutes before Leeds keeper Jules Draycott saved well from a Buffel long range effort.
On 79 minutes referee Elizabeth Simms awarded Leeds a decisive penalty when a retreating City defender was adjudged to have barged straight through the back of Danielle Sheen. Midfielder Rachel Lee stepped up to the mark and the former Sunderland midfielder coolly slotted home into the bottom left hand corner to re-establish Leeds lead.
To be fair to Manchester City they showed plenty of heart and positive intent but on this special occasion for Leeds it was always the hosts who looked more likely to score and almost sealed it late on when substitute Bekki Bass narrowly lobbed wide after escaping down the right flank.
With victory secure Leeds now switch their attention to York City’s Bootham Crescent where this Sunday they will take on Aston Villa in the FA Women’s Premier League Cup Final.
“We’re very pleased with the win today,” said Leeds Manager Andy Burgess after the game. “I thought we deserved the three points and I can’t credit the players enough for the way they handled such a great occasion. The crowd and excitement around the ground was fantastic. I hope to see as many of them as possible again this Sunday in York. It’s going to be another great occasion and we can’t wait to get out there.”
