Ladies 3s find it tough against top of the league

Leeds showed why they are top of the league as Ladies 3s battled hard but lost 3-1 away to the league leaders

Leeds 3 3-1 Halifax 3

Halifax expected a tough match against table topping Leeds and turned out a gutsy performance. Leeds applied pressure from the off, showing why they are favourites for promotion from Division Three, moving the ball quickly and skilfully to test Halifax’s organisation and resilience.

Alison McManus marshalled the defence well, with Sharon Crawshaw stepping into the back two in Jess Stott’s absence. Steph Hoyle broke down several Leeds attacks down the right flank and Zoe Ribchester worked tirelessly in the middle of defence. Kiera Hayman was in outstanding form in the Halifax goal whenever Leeds broke through, making double and triple saves on several occasions.

Anya Wasilewski and Felicity Raud combined well to set up some of Halifax’s best moments going forward but it was Leeds who took a deserved lead just before half time.

McManus continued to gain Halifax territory with some splendid hit outs to relieve pressure in the second half but Leeds continued to enjoy much of the possession. The score remained at 1-0 to Leeds until midway through the second half when Leeds scored following Halifax’s best period of the match, followed quickly by a third goal despite Hayman’s heroics in goals.

Still Halifax stuck to their task, harrying and closing down to make sure the floodgates didn’t open, with debutant Emma Whitaker, Captain Nicola Boulton, Vicki Ferdinando and Margaret Bottomley all worked tirelessly.

The only good chance for Halifax to score fell to the in form Emma Clarkson who rounded the keeper to earn a consolation goal a few minutes before the end.