Leeds Ladies 3 Guiseley AFC Vixens 6
FA Womens Premier League Northern Division One
Thursday evening Guiseley AFC Vixens visited newly formed Leeds Ladies, with Leeds United Ladies no longer in existence. A young, passionate, and never say die attitude is now the fundamental basis of the new look Leeds team. With several of the Guiseley players having played in past years for Leeds United Ladies, the game was set up to be a very entertaining and high paced, it certainly did not disappoint.
Eleven minutes in to the game Guiseley exposed the inexperienced Leeds defence. From a poorly cleared free kick, Caroline Hulme bundled the ball into the Leeds’ net making it 0-1. Guiseley continued to penetrate, with the pace of ex Bradford City Ladies Becky Kendal leading the attack. The Leeds Ladies ‘keeper made some worthy saves keeping the score at 0-1. However, after what would to be seen as a simple take from a bouncing ball for the Leeds’ keeper, she failed to collect and made it 2-0 to Guiseley. With Guiseley now in total control of the game it was 3-0 within 25mins from a superb strike from former Leeds player Tanya Rich.
Leeds still continued to work hard but could not break down a well organised Guiseley team. The game looked like only going one way however from a lack of concentration in the Guiseley defence, Leeds fought back and make it 3-1. This seemed to give the home side a ray of hope for a fight back. Yet again, Guiseley’s experience showed. The ladies slowed the game down in possession and produced a range of passing sequences, one which resulted in a quality through ball for the Guiseley striker to make it 4-1 just before the break.
Half time 1-4
Into the second half Guiseley were fully aware the game would not be over and Leeds Ladies would come out fighting. Leeds Ladies pressed and harassed the Guiseley players with vigour. However, this exposed space in their back line and with Tanya Rich’s great touch to take her away from the defender brought a foul from the panicked full back. The home supporters suggested diving which was more born from frustration at the score line, 1-5. Guiseley Captain Michelle Walsh hit a low hard strike to put the ball past the Leeds ‘keeper.
Leeds continued to harass the ladies forcing them into incorrect decisions in possession. Leeds Ladies capitalised on this on the edge of Guiseley’s box. Failing to close down the Leeds Ladies striker, who slotted the ball, passed the Guiseley Keeper. Guiseley were still comfortable with a lead of 2-5. Leeds Ladies still believed a fight back could be possible. Again Guiseley’s quality showed when a screaming shot from Tanya Rich flew passed the stranded keeper to confirm Guiseley’s emphatic win. Leeds Ladies did respond with an 84 minute lofted free kick beating keeper Dani Maslin to finish the night off with a 6-3 to Guiseley AFC Vixens.
Leeds Ladies’ passion and desire will lead them in good stead, however the quality and experience of Guiseley was too much for Leeds.
Goals:
Tanya Rich 4
Caroline Hulme 1
Michelle Walsh 1
The ladies next home game is on Sunday 28th September at 2pm against Morecombe LFC.
