Rod Christopher’s Leeds United Ladies Report

Rod Christopher gives us his views on his friends, the Leeds United ladies’ performance against Arsenal in the Women’s FA Cup Final.


I really looked forward to the Women’s FA Cup final, as the mighty LUFC were there trying to get the better of the far more mighty Arsenal live on BBC1. In all 7 of my friends were playing too, which helped make the game a better spectacle for me.

Unfortunately we (Leeds) came out as losers yet again and I must say that the best team did win, even though Leeds somehow managed to keep the match at 0-0 at half time, in front of over 24,000 fans!

Arsenal were awesome and were heavy odds on to come away with the cup, but Leeds tried their utmost to upset the apple cart. In the end though they just were not good enough, mustering only 3 worthy shots on target during the 90 minutes. Sanderson, Ludlow and the electric Kelly Smith eventually ran riot and I suppose it was only a matter of time before the inevitable happened!

Second half goals by Kelly Smith (2), Lianne Sanderson & Ludlow put paid to Leeds' chances, though a fine header by Jessica Clarke helped put a smile on mine and Lufc supporters faces to make it 3-1. The shots on target statistics said it all really. Arsenal had over 40 shots on our goal, while Leeds had a measly 5!.

There were a few other positives to be taken though, as my Facebook friend and goalkeeper Carly Telford put in a 'player of the match' performance with a string of fantastic saves. If it hadn't been for her the final score could been 3 times heavier than what it eventually was.

In addition to this Gemma Bonner, Jess Clarke, Sophie Walton (Yes, Simons sister!) and Olivia Thackray proved that we do have lots of good potential coming out of our women’s team camp. And the ever reliable Sue Smith kept plugging away for her sides cause.

Ah well - better luck maybe next year girls. We are clearly getting closer to the world champions, so lets hope we can beat them next year & begin a new era in women’s football. I really don't see why we can't, as our young talent seem very capable of eventually overcoming the now ageing Arsenal side!