By Tom Williams
Just days after their FA Cup final heartbreak, Leeds slipped to a disappointing home defeat against Cardiff.

Leeds United Ladies 2 Cardiff City WFC 3- 11th May 2008- FA Women’s Premier League

With 3rd place already secured, manager Rick Passmoor decided to rotate his squad and give opportunities to some fringe players. Emma Higgins stepped in for Carly Telford in goal, Alex Culvin made way for Oli Thackray and Gemma Bonner replaced Jess Wright. There were also starts for Ertha Pond and Emily Scott. However, with just a few minutes gone, Sophie Walton picked up a knock and was replaced by Jade Moore.

Moore made an early contribution, winning the ball in midfield and playing Jess Clarke through on goal. Clarke raced away but her effort was pushed away by Cardiff keeper Rhian Nokes. Shortly after Sue Smith fed Mel Sutcliffe but Nokes denied the home side again.

With 20 minutes gone, Cardiff had their first attack and it produced the opening score. Leeds failed to clear a cross and Natasha Harding put the visitors ahead at the second attempt.  United came back well though and with 28 minutes played, Sue Smith found Jess Clarke and she went to lob Rhian Nokes. Scrambling back, the City goalkeeper stumbled and Leeds were level.

The home side had their tails up and Clarke made a chance for Emily Scott but she fired wide. Just when it appeared the contest was going United’s way, City re-took the lead. A cross again from the right wasn’t dealt with and Carla Parfitt scored with a bullet header.

It hadn’t been a great Leeds performance by any means but it was hard to see how they were behind as the interval approached. There was one more chance before the break as Jess Clarke again raced away, rounded Nokes but her shot hit the side netting.

A double change at half time saw Jess Wright and Katie Holtham replace Gemma Bonner and Ertha Pond.   The changes played instance dividends as Holtham took a shot on from distance and it squeezed past Rhian Nokes and Leeds were level.

Again though, Cardiff came straight back and after 51 minutes they hit the front again. A corner was cleared to the edge of the United area and Kelly Isaac struck a beautiful dipping volley that flew past Emma Higgins.

That goal seemed to knock a lot out of Leeds and in the baking conditions, fatigue was really kicking in. Jess Clarke had one more shot saved but it was Cardiff who came closest to adding to the goals when Charlotte Miller rattled the crossbar.

As the game went into the final stages, United peppered the City box but the equaliser wasn’t forthcoming. It was a disappointing afternoon at the end of a disappointing week but with 3rd place secure, it’s been a successful season.