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Leeds edged a scrappy game that was marred by a foul-filled second half to keep themselves in the hunt for 3rd place.
Bristol started the game much the brighter and in the opening minutes Sophie Bradley had to make a last ditch challenge to stop the visitors getting through on goal. The pressure on the home goal continued with a series of corners that United struggled to clear. A boggy surface was making it had for both sides in possession of the ball. Leeds were offering very little threat of their own until with 36 minutes gone, Jess Clarke dug out a cross from the right and Amanda Barr netted with a beautiful overhead kick. The finish was of the highest quality and deserved to win the game but Leeds were fortunate to be in front. Sadly, the second half of the contest was an ill-tempered affair. The problems began with just over an hour gone. Jess Clarke was again running at the opposition and two Bristol players collided in trying to tackle her. Clarke was also fouled in the process but Jessica Fishlock, who had attempted the tackle, stayed down with a nasty gash on her leg. It was unclear from the sidelines exactly how bad the tackle was but as Fishlock was being carried from the field, the referee showed her a red card for the challenge. Bristol felt that it was an unfair decision and added to the frustration of being behind, they began to lose their cool. There were several bad tackles in the last 25 minutes and the official was forced to produce 3 yellow cards. Quite frankly there could have been more. Leeds bossed the contest with the extra body and really stretched the visitors. A Jess Clarke cross found Sue Smith at the far post. Smith cut back inside and saw her shot come back off the upright. Bristol couldn’t clear though and Steph Houghton saw her shot rattle the same post. Substitute Jade Moore helped to inject more energy into the United attack. She made space on the edge of the area and forced a good save from the keeper. Then she jinked down the left, cut the ball back and Katie Holtham fired over.
In the end, Leeds probably just deserved to shade this game but it is one that both sides will feel they can learn and improve from. by Tom Williams |
