Photo by Ian Parker
On a glorious afternoon at York Sport Stadium, it was the visitors who started on the front foot with Amy Woodruff seeing her shot roll just wide of Becky Sidwell’s post.
The MinsterBelles responded well and took the lead in the 3rd minute courtesy of Captain Ocean Rolandsen. She won the ball back in the area before she curled into the far corner to put her side ahead. The lead only lasted 13 minutes as Leeds United Women hit back through Woodruff. The Striker battled her way through the defence before calmly slotting past Sidwell.
Both sides then exchanged opportunities just minutes later with Jess Holder seeing her shot saved by Carrie Simpson before Woodruff fired just over the crossbar at the other end. Sidwell was called into action in the 25th minute when she made a smart save to push a Woodruff strike away from goal.
The visitors made their dominance count in the 33rd minute when they took the lead for the first time. Former MinsterBelles Midfielder Alice Hughes heading a Sarah Danby corner into the back of the net. The game continued to be played at a fast pace and with her side on the counter, Jess Holder rifled a long distance shot off the crossbar before she saw her strike saved by Simpson on the brink of half-time.
In a bid to find a way back into the game, Emily Senior made a change at half-time with Emia Hendrickson-Eastwood replacing Milly Ash. Her side started well and went close to drawing level in the 47th minute when Karli Smith’s header was pushed clear by the diving Simpson.
In the 51st minute, Leeds United Women extended their lead further courtesy of stunning strike from Ellie White. The MinsterBelles failed to deal with a Sarah Danby corner and the ball fell kindly to White, who watched her strike nestle into the top left corner. Both sides then exchanged chances of their own in the 73rd and 75th minute. First Sidwell made a smart save to deny Drew Greene before Hendrickson-Eastwood saw her shot cleared close to the line.
The final action of the game saw the visitors pick up their fourth goal through Woodruff. She flicked Alice Hughes’ free kick into the back of the net.
The MinsterBelles are next in action, at the Riverside Stadium, for the final of the CLS Sports North Riding FA Women’s Cup Final as they take on Middlesbrough FC Women U23’s on Sunday 11th May.
Tickets are available to buy on the day of the game from the Main West Stand Ticket Office from 1pm on the day of the match, with entry via Turnstiles 14-17.
Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.
