Five magic moments from Leeds United Women’s 2020/21 season so far

Rebecca Hunt’s finish, Stockport County 3 Leeds United 4 – December 13, 2020

It was a goal that befitted the moment – an emphatic finish to take the lead after trailing and equalising three times.

In a move characteristic of the team’s relentless battling spirit, Laura Bartup led a high press and collected the spoils, a wayward pass by the panicked Stockport keeper.

As Rebecca Hunt surged forward, her repeated shouts for the ball were answered by Bartup who, one-on-one with the keeper, resisted a striker’s instinct and rolled the ball into her team-mate’s path.

Running onto a moving ball, the experienced midfielder defied the sure recipe for a mile-high scoop; Hunt struck cleanly, the net bulged, and the game was decided with an accomplished alignment of trust, communication, and technique.

Olivia Smart’s free-kick, Stockport County 0 Leeds United 2 (FA Cup) – October 25

“That one was all right, actually,” Olivia Smart said, a modest description of the staggering long-range effort that was nominated by Leeds United for October’s Goal of the Month award.

Stockport could be forgiven for underestimating the threat as Smart stepped up to a dead ball virtually on the touchline, 30 yards from goal.

In the footage, which has accrued more than 10,000 views on YouTube, the full-back is seen taking a brief, calculating glance before she sends the ball flying.

It loops high and long, sailing past the helpless keeper and falling into the net like a hole-in-one. “I get stick about it, because people think I don’t shoot. Was it a shot?” she asks. “I took my opportunity.”

Skye Kirkham’s save, Leeds United 1 Durham Cestria 0 – September 27

A dominant performance by the home side made for a relatively quiet afternoon between the sticks for new signing Skye Kirkham but, with 20 minutes left on the clock, a defensive lapse allowed Durham’s Jordan Atkinson a free run at goal.

The Whites’ shot-stopper was alive to the danger. At Atkinson’s heels, defenders scrambled to protect their narrow lead, but it was Kirkham who took control, charging forward, diving at the shot and putting the ball out of harm’s way. Her crucial save preserved a clean sheet and helped Leeds to their first win of the season.

Bridie Hannon’s last-ditch tackle, Stockport 3 Leeds United 4 – December 13

Having held the initiative for most of the game, Stockport’s need to claim something from the bitter contest deepened in the final 10 minutes and as the Hatters plumped for long balls laced through the final third, Leeds captain Bridie Hannon was there to clean up each time.

The most vital of her interventions came on 84 minutes, when Stockport substitute Maria Figueiredo advanced on the area with fresh legs and clear sight of an equaliser.

The striker was setting herself on the edge of the six-yard box when Hannon appeared from nowhere, going to ground as she swiped the ball from Figueiredo’s feet and saw it safely off the pitch.

Laura Bartup’s debut, Norton and Stockton Ancients 2 Leeds United 1 – September 20

A striker’s itch to score is never stronger than on her first run-out with a new team, but Bartup bore the pressure well on the opening day of the season; impressing with her excellent hold-up play and netting that all-important first goal, her debut explained why her signature was so sought-after upon leaving Barnsley in the summer.

Not content with a tap-in, Bartup opened her account in style.

From 20 yards, she fired a half-volley into the bottom corner, a strong statement of intent from the debutant which blew the cobwebs off a long hiatus and set the tone for the rest of the Whites’ season.

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click HERE to subscribe.