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FOOTBALL is a game of strange ironies - none more so than that Leeds fantastic unbeaten run should end in the very last game of the season.
 United were beaten by an impressive Liverpool outfit, strengthened by a number of first team players and with fresh legs to come off the bench, while the home side could only field 11 players with no proper goalkeeper.
Liverpool started much the brighter of the two teams and it was no surprise when they took the lead after five minutes - doubling their advantage five minutes later against a Leeds defence which struggled all night to deal with corners and set pieces. Leeds were dragged out of their malaise thanks to two excellent strikes from Tanya Rich on 20 and 25 minutes which brought the home side level but rather than pushing on Leeds went to sleep again and allowed Liverpool to take the lead once more after 38 minutes. Lou Hunt was possibly lucky to stay on the pitch after a wild tackle on a Liverpool attacker gave away a penalty but it was brilliantly saved by stand-in goalkeeper Fliss Middleton. Leeds were very fortunate to be level at half time thanks to a 45th minute thunderbolt from Emily Scott. The home side competed better in the second period without creating many clear cut scoring opportunities. However, a well-worked corner between Aimee Morrison and Emma Coates gave the latter the chance to shoot Leeds into the lead and the “unbeaten season” looked on. Liverpool were not finished, though, and a good strike dipped over the head of second half keeper Carey Huegett to bring them level. It was another corner that proved United’s undoing in the end as the ball broke loose in the box to be rammed home by a Liverpool player. Leeds, with some players tiring noticeably, had a couple of half chances to snatch a draw in the final few minutes but it wasn’t to be. Despite the disappointment, however, the reserves should reflect with pride on what has been an excellent season both in terms of player development and success on the pitch. Team: Fliss Middleton, Lou Hunt, Sophie Hargreaves, Bridie Fox, Hayley Sharp, Aimee Morrison, Emma Coates, Sammy Conroy, Tanya Rich, Carey Huegett, Emily Scott. |
