Watford Ladies 0-1 Leeds Carnegie Ladies

Leeds rose to second in the Women’s National Premier League, thanks to a late – and rare –Olivia Thackray goal against Watford.

Heavy overnight had left the game in doubt, and it took work principally by the Leeds parents and match referee, armed with forks and brooms, to help shift the surface water on the Northwood FC pitch and ensure that the game went ahead.

Both teams found conditions difficult, but Leeds always looked the more likely to score, their greater possession creating several good chances for Thackray, Carla Cantrell, Jess Clarke and Rachel Daly.

But it wasn’t until seven minutes before the end of the game that Watford’s stout defence was broken, when Watford keeper Lauren Davey failed to get purchase on a Thackray corner, helping it onwards into the net.

The lead could have been doubled in stoppage time, but Ellen White’s curled shot went just wide, leaving Leeds in second and with two tough games – at home to Everton on Thursday 6 May and way at the Emirates Stadium to Arsenal – left in what has been a rollercoaster season for the club.

“I’m happy enough with the three points,” said Leeds manager Rick Passmoor, “and I’ve had a chance to assess the players before the two big games.

“This has been our best season ever, but it isn’t over yet, so I want to see concentration, passion and commitment until the very end, play the way we know we can and try and get the last six points on offer.”

Source: www.leedscarnegieladies.com