FA Women's National League, Div 1 North

Leeds Utd Ladies 3

Chorley FC Women 0

CHORLEY were looking to put their recent run of defeats behind them as they faced fellow mid table rivals Leeds United Ladies.

After an even first 5mins it was Leeds who put in the first serious attack, but the shot was well saved by Darbyshire. Good interplay between Coope and Kemp resulted in a fine cross which just eluded the head of Fenton. Leeds had plenty of pace up front and a dangerous move resulted in a good block by Mitchell.

On 13 minutes Leeds broke the deadlock, a dangerous through ball caught the Chorley back line square and the pacey winger delivered a pin point cross which resulted in a fine finish. This set back seemed to galvanise Chorley and in a competitive midfield battle the Chorley midfield of Walker, Vella and Morris more than held their own as they worked hard to release the wide players Fenton and Kemp.

Chances were few and far between with a well organised Leeds defence restricting Chorley to long range shots and any Leeds attacks being snuffed out by the Chorley back line.

A surging run down the wing by Topping resulted her being unceremoniously flattened which drew the only yellow card of the game.

With half time looming a high ball into the Chorley box caused a defensive mix up and the loose ball was despatched by the Leeds forward to give them a 2-0 half time lead.

The second half started with Leeds doing most of the attacking and only some fine last ditch tackles by Bowes and some super one on one saves by Darbyshire prevented Leeds from adding to their tally. A tactical change by Chorley pushed Topping further forward and a couple of attacking runs resulted in crosses but all were cleared by Leeds. Fresh legs for Leeds allowed them to maintain their tempo whereas Chorley tired late on.

With 20 minutes to go a back pass was intercepted by the Leeds forward who powered through and gave Darbyshire no chance. Late on Searson drove through with purpose as Chorley desperately tried to find the elusive goal but all to no avail. It would have been easy for Chorley to lay down but the spirited bunch battled on to the end and surely with this effort a change in fortune is close.

Chorley FC Women: Rachel Darbyshire, Lisa Topping, Megan Searson, Saskia Bowes, Janet Mitchell, Abi Fenton, Katy Morris, Laura Walker, Grace Vella, Vicky Coope, Rebecca Kemp.