Leeds United Women avoided a potential banana skin of a tie as they convincingly beat West Didsbury & Chorlton on Sunday afternoon. Goals from Gunn and Ainscow weren’t enough for the hosts as Sarah Danby, Kathryn Smith and Katie Astle blew their opponents away with a convincing 6-2 victory on the road.
Manager Simon Wood said, “I’m really pleased we’ve got through to the next round, and there’s more positives to take into next week’s game from today.”
Astle, “I’m pretty happy with myself, but it’s all about the team getting as many goals as we can and getting through to the next round of the FA Cup.”
Astle put the visitors in front early and got her first of the afternoon. Some great play down the left set Harriet Jakeman away, she delivered a low ball across the face of goal and Astle was there to convert from close range.
Leeds really started the game on the front foot and nearly doubled their lead two minutes later. Kathryn Smith created a shooting opportunity from range, she did just that and her effort thundered off the crossbar.
Leeds were punished for their missed chances though, as just moments later the lower league side drew level. Gunn was tripped inside the area, she then stepped up to take the penalty, and slotted it into the back of the net.
Leeds had a flurry of shots on target towards the end of what was a dominant half for the visitors, but they went into the break level.
HALF TIME: West Didsbury & Chorlton 1-1 Leeds United
Both sides came out for the second half unchanged, but it was the hosts who would strike first. Louise Ainscow picked the ball up on the edge of the box and volleyed into the back of the net to put the lower league side back in front.
Just five minutes later the Whites drew level. The visitors did well to keep a corner alive as another cross was delivered and a West Didsbury defender converted into her own net.
Leeds we’re then dominant and took the lead on the 56th minute! Smith laid it off to Danby and she hit a left-footed strike from range into the top corner.
The visitors were then looking to put West Didsbury to the sword, and they did just that as Astle added her second of the afternoon. Olivia Smart produced a deep cross towards the back post and Astle couldn’t miss from a few yards out.
Three minutes later Leeds had their fifth of the afternoon! Smith picked up a loose ball, took a touch out her feet and unleashed an effort into the top corner, leaving the keeper with no chance.
In the 75th minute Astle completed her hat-trick to make it a great afternoon for her and the Whites as she put her side 6-2 up. Smart once again delivered a cross to the back post and from close range Astle couldn’t miss, putting Leeds United into the next round of the FA cup.
FULL TIME: West Didsbury & Chorlton 2-6 Leeds United
After Full Time, I spoke to Leeds United manager Simon Wood, and hat-trick hero Katie Astle. Check out their full interviews below.
