After a tricky start to the season, Moors Ladies got back to winning ways against a strong Leeds Modernians side at The Brewery Field.
A comfortable win last time out against Ponteland United had given the girls some much needed confidence, and Nikita Hemmingway’s side proved just that.
Messages before the game from Nikita and Dan were to start strong, be aggressive and leave nothing out there, and the girls certainly took that on board.
A strong start from Moors taking the game to Leeds although chances were at a premium. Any threat from Leeds was nullified quickly from the three centre halves who were colossal all game.
It was one of the centre halves, Meg Elliott that got the breakthrough. A dangerous corner from Katy Hemmingway could only be parried by the keeper and Elliott was in the right place at the right time to head home.
Moors always looked dangerous with the marauding wing backs creating a constant menace, with Holly Doogan and Autumn Colledge running the Leeds defenders everywhere and ensuring they never got a moments peace. Doogan had a great chance to double Moors lead just before the break, but just couldn’t find the net.
The message at half time was to not be complacent and manage the game.
Leeds came out firing second half and found their equaliser. A header from the Leeds forward came back off the post and fell kindly for a teammate, who poked home from close range to level things up.
This was a proper game now. End to end, but Moors were not going to be denied today. A dangerous cross from Hemmingway found the head of Sophie Hodgson, a half time substitute for the injured Colledge, who rose highest to beat the keeper and nod home.
The girls gave everything and just would not let Leeds back into the game. Moors did play some lovely passing football and created another opening for Amy Richardson, with only the keeper to beat but she could’t find the finish. The last five minutes were nerve racking but the girls would not be denied.
An outstanding performance from everyone and it was fantastic to see Yasmin Robinson back in a Moors shirt for the first time this season.
Onwards and upwards. With an away trip to Wallsend coming up this Sunday.
Goalscorers: Meg Elliott, Sophie Hodgson
POTM Katy Hemmingway