LEEDS celebrated their status as reserves league champions 2007/08 with a hard fought 2-1 victory over local rivals Belles.The level of performance was far from the team’s best this season but two superb individual strikes from forwards Carey Huegett and Tanya Rich earned the home side the points.

The game opened at a fast pace with the visitors in determined mood – no doubt fired up by the presence of several first team players in their line up.

But their initial surge was soon quelled when Carey Huegett latched onto a Fliss Middleton cross to strike a superb shot out of the reach of the diving Belles keeper and into the corner of the net.

Leeds found it hard to get their high tempo passing game going against a strong and physical but technically inferior Belles outfit.

Five minutes before half time Belles were level, thanks to a fortuitous strike which arched perfectly upwards and over Emma Higgins who simply couldn’t reach it.

Driven on by their highly vocal travelling support, Belles went at Leeds in the second half and a strong defensive performance was needed.

A strong referee was also needed – but there was some suspicion of caving into pressure from the noisy Belles contingent when he awarded a penalty against Leeds’ Bridie Fox after 65 minutes.

It was at this point the game turned around.

The Belles penalty taker fluffed her golden opportunity and hit the ball tamely at Emma Higgins who gratefully gathered.

Almost from the restart Tanya Rich hit a technically excellent chip over the Belles keeper to restore Leeds’ lead which the home side managed to protect until full time.

Having sown up the league with games to spare, Leeds will now be focusing their minds on finishing the season with an unbeaten record.

Team: Emma Higgins, Louise Hunt, Sophie Hargreaves, Bridie Fox, Hayley Sharp, Aimee Morrison, Emily Scott, Emma Coates, Tanya Rich, Carey Huegett, Fliss Middleton. Sub: Melissa Sherwood.