Leeds United Women looking to bounce back from opening-day setback

Leeds will share the Brewers’ ground, with capacity for 300 socially-distanced supporters, until they can return to their usual home at Thorp Arch, which is temporarily off-limits due to Covid restrictions.

The Whites will battle to establish themselves after losing their first game of the season at Norton and Stockton Ancients last Sunday. Among seven new signings making their first appearance for the club was striker Laura Bartup, who chose to join Leeds from Barnsley over the summer despite interest from a host of other sides.

“I was a bit scared to meet the girls at my first training session, but they couldn’t have been any nicer to me,” said Bartup. “I felt like I’d been there a few months - they made me feel really welcome. I knew after my first session that I wanted to sign.”

The forward, who boasts international caps for England Under-19s, looked assured on her debut, putting the visitors ahead in the 28th minute. After fellow debutant Alice Hughes floated the ball into a dangerous area, Bartup was the first to react to a poor clearance, driving low into the bottom corner from outside the box.

Leeds struggled for a second goal after the break, and after Bartup clipped an advancing player in the box, the Ancients’ top-scorer Bianca Owens made no mistake from the spot.

Owens struck again in the final 10 minutes, her headed winner eventually deciding the tie as the Whites’ late quest for an equaliser drew a blank.

Bartup said of the match: “It’s frustrating. To come away with nothing when we were all over them - we were unlucky.

“But it’s a long season, I think there’ll be a few twists and turns yet. We just need to think positive, stick together, and believe in each other.”

There’s a chance for Leeds’ league campaign to gather momentum this week as they face follow up tomorrow’s clash with a visit to Bradford City on Tuesday night.

Leeds United Women kick off at 2pm tomorrow at the Global Stadium in Tadcaster. Admission is £4 for adults, and free for under 16s.

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Laura Collins