Women’s FA Cup
Leeds United Women 2 (Spencer-Smith 37’, Legge 75’)
Rotherham United Women 0
Leeds: Mears (GK), Legge (C), Drew Greene (Watson 79’), Smith (Graham 73’), Woodruff, Dean, Harris, Millard (Cassidy 82’), Spencer-Smith, Coley (Sanderson 61’), Darcie Greene. Subs not used: Oates (GK), Hughes, Dixon.
Rotherham: Sharpe (GK), Hichcliffe, Cassidy, Rattenbury (C), Winter, Saxton, McWilliams, Whitham, Wilcock, Simmons (Swan 76’), McIntosh (Bartup 81’). Subs not used: Kendell, Davies, Buxton, Manley, Douglas
Venue: BD Community Stadium | Attendance: 280 | Referee: Thomas Halloway | Bookings: N/A
Leeds United Women progress to the Second Round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 victory over Rotherham United Women thanks to goals either side of the interval from Ava Spencer-Smith and Shauna Legge.
Ahead of kick-off, both teams came together to lay a wreath and observe a minute’s silence in remembrance before the Millers got the tie underway.
The Whites started on the front foot, immediately applying pressure to the visitors’ defence.
Drew Greene wriggled into space down the right before laying the ball off to Alayna Millard, who delivered a first-time cross into the area. Kath Smith and Abi Coley both attempted to get a shot away but were denied by two strong blocks.
Following a stop-start 15 minutes, Coley stepped up to take a free-kick from deep, floating the ball towards the goalmouth, narrowly evading a crowd of white shirts before Elanor Sharpe gratefully collected.
At the other end, Danielle Whitham delivered a set-piece from around halfway, sending the ball towards goal, but Holly Mears comfortably gathered under pressure.
In a bid to break the deadlock, Ella Harris struck first time with power after Drew Greene had laid the ball off to the midfielder, but Sharpe held well.
Leeds eventually found the breakthrough after taking control of possession half an hour in, with Spencer-Smith finishing off an excellent move.
A lofted ball towards Amy Woodruff was brilliantly flicked into the path of Millard, who bore down on goal before squaring for Spencer-Smith to tap into an empty net.
Seeking a quickfire second, Coley once again delivered a chipped free-kick into the box. Izzy Dean was arriving at the far post, but her header lacked the power to trouble Sharpe.
A third dangerous set-piece delivery from Coley saw the midfielder strike the advertising boards as she narrowly missed the target, before the referee brought the first half to a close.
HALF TIME: Leeds United Women 1-0 Rotherham United Women
The start of the second half was almost identical to the first, with the Whites enjoying more possession and making promising breaks into the area, but still searching for a clear-cut opportunity.
Spencer-Smith registered the first genuine attempt after 10 minutes, curling an effort narrowly wide of the top corner after Drew Greene had initially delivered a teasing ball towards the back post, with the ball eventually recycled to our No.18.
Taking over free-kick duties, Harris stepped up and fired towards goal, but Sharpe was well positioned to get behind the effort and gather comfortably.
Spencer-Smith came close to doubling her tally shortly after, slicing an effort narrowly wide after finding space in behind the Rotherham defence.
The forward then tested Sharpe again, unleashing a powerful strike towards the near post in an attempt to catch the goalkeeper out, but the shot-stopper produced an excellent save.
As the clock ticked down, Simon Wood made a number of changes, including the introduction of Abbie Graham who made her return to action.
The Whites' persistence from set-pieces was finally rewarded with 15 minutes remaining, as Legge was on hand at the far post to bundle home a corner and double the advantage, putting the hosts firmly in control of the tie.
Following the second goal, the game quietened, with neither side managing to seriously threaten either goalkeeper before referee Thomas Halloway brought proceedings to a close.
Leeds will now welcome Norton & Stockton Ancients to the BD Community Stadium in the Second Round, with the tie scheduled for Sunday 15 November at 2pm.
FULL TIME: Leeds United Women 2-0 Rotherham United Women
