Driffield L2 1 - 0 Leeds L3

Another wet Saturday for the Ladies 2’s as they headed across to Weetwood Sports Park, to play Leeds 3’s this weekend. Having played Leeds as their opening match for the season the ladies were well aware that they were facing one of their biggest, and toughest, rivals.

Driffield started with the pushback quickly taking the upper hand. Forwards, Chloe Rhodes, Kathryn Bumby, Bryony Sykes and Lauren Johnstone making good ground into the opposition half. Leeds remained calm and collected hampering Driffield’s initial chances by recycling the ball back into a counter attack. This was beautifully defended by the Driffield team who were quick to react.

Taking the ball from the defensive 23 the midfield, Nicola Guthrie, Alice Walker and Sophie Watson held strong in support and distributed the ball cleanly into the attacking D allowing Lucy Attree to finish the offence with a goal in her debut match for the 2’s.

Finding themselves 1-0 down on home turf, Leeds were keen to respond to this swift move from Driffield. They took their opportunity at 27 minutes into the half when a quick break found an attacker head to head with defender Ellen Calder at the top of the Driffield D. Calder stopped the defender in her tracks, unfortunately, giving the Leeds side a penalty flick and a chance to equalise.

All eyes were on the Leed’s taker and Driffield keeper Becks Lalor. A moment of silence across the pitch as the striker paused, a perfect flick to the left post was immaculately intercepted by Lalor deflecting the shot off the backline, maintaining the Driffield sides lead.

Half time oranges and a chance to shelter in the dug-out from the, now torrential, rain. Injured co-captain Jenny Dawson offered her usual advice and support to the team whose excellent teamwork and communication was allowing them to retain the upper hand.

Back on the pitch and Leeds had definitely had words. They demonstrated more attacking dynamic than in the previous half; although, this was no match for the defensive wall of Helen Holdsworth, Ellen Calder, Mags Purnell and Co-Captain Charlotte Smith. The few times Leeds did manage a breach, there were no concerns for the away team as Lalor continued to put in some outstanding saves perfectly defending the Driffield goal line.

By the final whistle, the ladies were soaked to the skin but the freezing temperatures and driving rain was unable to dampen the Driffield girls spirits as beating the team who are sitting 2nd in the table really leads into the Christmas break on a high.

The ladies have maintained their position at 3rd in the division and are looking dangerous as they head into the New Year. Their next match is not until 12th January where they will play Lindum 2’s at home, 12.30pb.

Final Score: Leeds 3’s 0 – 1 Driffield L2’s

Scorer: Lucy Attree