REPORT: Bradford City Women 1-2 Leeds United Women | OneFootball

Whites return to winning ways with derby victory.

FAWNL Division One North:

Bradford City Women 1 (Elliot 75’ pen),

Leeds United Women 2 (Bartup 28’, 44’)

Leeds United Women: Simpson, Bass (Soares-Martins 93’), Hamill, Hannon, Smart, Danby, Williams (Underdown 72’), Smith, Ellis, Brown (Woodruff 89’), Bartup. Subs not used: Handy, Price.

Bradford City Women: Kirkham, Jakeman, Stuart, Woodcock, Norde, Elliot, Parnham, Stube (Markey 88) Hudson (Jacobs 54), Brierley, Prothero. Subs not used: Whelan, Schofield, Douglas.

Venue: Horsfall Stadium

Referee: Darren Mccall

Booked: Jakeman (Bradford) Hannon, Smith (Leeds)

A fantastic double from Laura Bartup on her return to the side, as well as a brilliant individual performance from goalkeeper Carrie Simpson saw Leeds return to winning ways in a closely fought West Yorkshire derby at the Horsfall Stadium.

It was a cagey start to the game but Leeds’ Kathryn Smith had the first shot of the game, her long range drive was kept out by a combination Kirkham and the crossbar.

At the other end, Simpson was called into action for the first time on 12 minutes, denying Harriet Jakeman from point blank range, the first of a string of saves that would prove to be crucial for Leeds.

Kirkham was tested again by Rebekah Bass after a clever corner routine on 17 minutes and Leeds finally made their pressure pay on 28 minutes.

Bartup twisted and turned in the box before rifling into the roof of the net with her left foot, leaving Kirkham with no chance on this occasion.

Abbie Brown had a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 just minutes later but fired over from Macey Ellis’ cross.

Leeds did double their lead before half time and it came in stunning fashion from Bartup. The striker found a pocket of space 25 yards out before unleashing a terrific strike with her left foot that flew past Kirkham and into the top corner.

Half Time: Bradford City Women 0 Leeds United Women 2

Bradford started the second half on the front foot, Simpson making a superb save to deny Isla Hudson from eight yards out.

Bradford got a foothold in the game when Mia Jacobs was fouled in the box and Emma Elliot calmly slotted past Simpson.

Bradford piled the pressure on in the last fifteen minutes but couldn’t find a way past Simpson who made a string of excellent saves and brave catches from crosses and set pieces.

The Whites will be looking to make it back-to-back victories next weekend when they host Chorley Ladies at the So-Trak stadium.

Full Time: Bradford City Women 1 Leeds United Women 2