[BFC SITE] Reds defeated in derby day clash with Leeds United Women

Barnsley FC Women suffered a Yorkshire derby loss in the FA Women’s National League, as they were handed a 2-0 defeat against Leeds United at the Bannister Prentice Stadium.

The home side had their first chance of the game after 2 minutes, with Becky Flaherty rising well to catch a shot from distance by Darcie Greene.

Jess Horsley’s side continued to battle well, with Lissa Woodhouse hitting an excellent cross into the path of Lauryn Wilcock in the 7th minute. The forward was unable to follow up with a finish, however, with Leeds stopper Carrie Simpson coming off her line to collect the ball.

Leeds took the lead after 13 minutes, with Amy Woodruff managing to produce a run from midfield into the area, before scoring a placed finish past Flaherty. The home side almost doubled their lead a minute later, with Alayna Millard producing an excellent interception on the edge of the area to deny the advancing run of the winger Drew Greene.

The home side produced their second goal of the afternoon in the 17th minute, scoring a close-range finish following a corner kick. Reds’ stopper Flaherty turned hero four minutes later, rushing out of the area to clear the ball before a speculative Leeds effort could be attempted from midfield.

Barnsley forward Jodie Gregory came close to pulling one back after 25 minutes, with the Leeds ‘keeper Simpson again having to come to the edge of the area in order to thwart the forward’s advancing run.

Flaherty was at hand once more in the 30th minute, comfortably collecting a shot from distance by the forward Woodruff, following a lay-off in midfield. Defender Sharone Buckle was also able to dispossess the Leeds’ forward on the left wing a minute later with an excellent standing challenge.

The Reds appeared to have settled into the game at this stage, and the remainder of the first half saw play largely constrained to midfield, with Jess Horsley’s side enjoying the majority of possession. In the 44th minute, Louise Biggins hit a speculative shot from 30 yards out which curled over the crossbar, with the Leeds ‘keeper having to make an attempt to dive at the effort. Leeds came close to a third goal a minute later, with Greene hitting a powerful effort from the left flank which skated past the far post.

Barnsley FC Women were unable to produce any further attacking opportunities before half-time, meaning they went into the break chasing a two-goal deficit.

HALF TIME: Leeds United FC Women 2-0 Barnsley FC Women

Two minutes after the restart, Buckle produced another outstanding interception to prevent Alice Hughes from being able to advance on goal.

In the 49th minute, Biggins found space in midfield to hit a powerful effort from 25 yards out, which was targeted just wide of the post.

Leeds had a chance to triple their advantage two minutes later, when forward Woodruff was able to round Flaherty, however, her shot on goal was cleared off the line by the Reds’ defender, Millard.

The Reds’ wing back was able to get down the other end in the 55th minute, hitting a curling effort from the right flank which was aimed over the crossbar. Biggins also came close in the 57th minute, working her way into the box before forcing a save from Simpson with a side-footed effort from eighteen yards out.

Barnsley continued to impress in the final third as the closing stages of the game approached, with Gregory coming close again in the 70th minute, when her low, powerful 20-yard effort was scooped up by Simpson in the Leeds’ net.

Substitute Ruby Jex-Oldfield almost pulled one back for Jess Horsley’s side with fifteen minutes to play, hitting an attempt from 30 yards out which was directed high and wide.

Reds’ stopper, Flaherty, dived well in the 81st minute to prevent a pinpoint effort inside the area from Leeds forward Woodruff.

Biggins continued to test the Leeds defensive line in the final ten minutes of the contest, coming close to pulling one back in the 82nd minute when her half-volley following a Reds corner kick forced a save from Simpson.

The Reds were unable to test the Leeds backline through the remainder of the contest, meaning that they ultimately fell to defeat.

FULL TIME: Leeds United FC Women 2-0 Barnsley FC Women

Barnsley XI: Flaherty (GK), Evans (C), Chincharo (Rigby, 52), Woodhouse (Allard, 83), Gregory, Wilcock, Cheetham (Jex-Oldfield, 56), Buckle, Millard, Turton-Burrell, Biggins.

Continue reading...

 

Mmm