Leeds women’s football team braved strong winds and bitterly cold conditions in an attempt to secure their first result of the season with a win over Loughborough, yet fell short in a closely contested match that ended 4-3.

Uni exploded out of the blocks, immediately putting Loughborough on the back foot. With only two minutes on the clock Uni were celebrating a sensational early goal. However, spirits dropped as the referee deemed the ball to have not crossed the line.

Seizing the opportunity, Loughborough broke away up the pitch and, amongst the confusion, were able to seize the first goal of the game. Despite a horrible start, Leeds captain Sophie Cole was able to equalise just five minutes later to bring the teams back on equal terms.

The rest of the first half was rather cagey, with both defences able to shut out their opposition. However this pattern of play was broken by Sophie Cole, who managed to break through the opposition defence and slot home a goal on the stroke of half time to give Uni a lead going into the break.

The second half started with Uni trying to build on with their momentum from the first period, but an improbable strike from 35 yards saw Loughborough draw level.

After absorbing a considerable amount of pressure Uni were able to break through Abbie McIver, who topped off what was a brilliant performance by getting on the score sheet to push Uni into the lead for a second time in the game.

As Uni attempted to hold onto their lead they began to invite Loughborough pressure. As a result, the visitors were able to pull the game level for a third time on the stroke of 70 minutes.

This opened up the contest and saw some end-to-end football as both teams strived to claim the result. Despite several clear chances for Uni they could not find a winning strike, and their frustration was compounded as Loughborough were able to clinch a winner 4 minutes from time.

Leeds coach Phil Ryder told LS that “despite the result, it could have gone either way, and if you compare the result to the first time we met in October, it’s clear we’ve come on massively.”

Freddie Gray

Image courtesy of Sam Broadley