Leeds claim bragging rights in West Yorkshire derby
The Division One North leaders keep their unbeaten start going
Local derbies, anniversary celebrations and late comebacks took centre stage on another action-packed matchday in the FA Women’s National League.
Here is how it all played out…
Leeds land latest win
Bragging rights went the way of Leeds United on derby day in Division One North as they overcame Bradford City 2-0 to continue their 100 per cent start to the season.
✊UNITED! pic.twitter.com/ijT57XUWVu
Chloe Dixon’s 15th-minute opener was added to by Alice Hughes after the break as the visitors stayed at the summit.
Farah Crompton’s winner four minutes from time secured a 3-2 win for Halifax at Durham Cestria, while Yasmin Ahmed, Ellie Fletcher and Meg Boydell all scored as Stockport County defeated Chorley by the same scoreline.
Sacha Millward was at the double for Norton & Stockton Ancients, who beat Blackburn 3-0, and Hope Knight struck twice for York City as they overcame Thornaby 5-0.
AFC Fylde also found their shooting boots, beating Chester-le-Street Town 5-2.
Baggies and Terriers leave it late
In the Northern Premier Division, West Bromwich Albion and Huddersfield Town both left it late to record home wins.
Naomi Sharp was the hero for the Baggies, scoring the only goal of the game in the dying moments with a brilliant lob from distance to end Rugby Borough’s unbeaten start to the season.
In West Yorkshire, Laura Elford’s header two minutes from time secured the Terriers a 2-1 win over Hull City. Louise Biggins had earlier equalised in the 80th minute following Ellie Tanser’s early goal for the visitors.
There was also a dramatic finish at Boldmere St Michaels, with all the action in the final 15 minutes. Macy Jane Winters put the hosts in front against Loughborough Lightning, who levelled matters through Olivia Ramon with four minutes to play – moments after Skye Owen was sent off for Boldmere.
Jess Brady’s second-half strike proved decisive as Liverpool Feds defeated Middlesbrough 1-0 and Dolcie O’Connor’s brace helped Derby County to a 3-0 win at Peterborough United.
Spoils were shared at Carrow Road, where Norwich City and Stoke City drew 1-1.
U’s continue scoring streak
Free-scoring Oxford United hit five for the fourth week in succession as they defeated Plymouth Argyle 5-0.
Sophie Quirk’s hat-trick led the way, with Holly Manders and Ruby Sealey also on the scoresheet.
AFC Bournemouth spoiled Exeter City’s 25th anniversary celebrations with a 1-0 win at St James Park, Issy Watts heading home the winner midway through the second half.
The goal that made the difference 🤩
Full highlights: https://t.co/A7RtqhCn5k pic.twitter.com/pCsLwLbHzN
Portsmouth also won on the road, 2-0 at Real Bedford, while Elicia Mulvaney’s brace set Hashtag United on their way to a 4-2 win at home to Swindon Town in manager Dom Edwards’ final game in charge.
Una Lue, Scarlett Kagalwala and Ella Stephens found the net as Lewes defeated Cheltenham Town 3-0.
Leafield stage fightback
Leafield Athletic staged a remarkable comeback from 4-1 down to salvage a point at Wythenshawe.
Rachael Dunlop’s hat-trick had the hosts 3-1 up at the break and Anya McCready increased the advantage early in the second half.
But goals from Gemma Fraser, Abi Cowie and Kiera Bell, the latter in injury time, secured a dramatic share of the spoils.
Notts County also overturned a deficit to win 4-2 at Sheffield FC, having trailed 1-0 at half time, while Annabel Sime struck late to earn Worcester City a 2-1 victory at Northampton Town.
Lye Town got off the mark for the campaign with a 2-0 triumph at Chesterfield, Aaliyah Nolan’s brace helped Barnsley defeat Sutton Coldfield Town 3-0 and there was nothing to split Sporting Khalsa and Kidderminster Harriers, who drew 1-1.
Visitors dominate in South East
It was a good day to be a travelling side in Division One South East, with five of the six matches going the way of the visitors.
Chloe Logie’s second-half winner earned Luton a 1-0 derby success at Stevenage while Raissa Taborda was on target for MK Dons as they won by the same score at Cambridge United.
A stellar second half showing saw QPR win 3-0 at Chatham, Saltdean scored in each half to beat Billericay Town 2-0 and London Bees won an all-capital clash 2-0 at Dulwich Hamlet.
Actonians bucked the trend by drawing 1-1 with Dartford.
Rovers come up trumps
Bristol Rovers ended Moneyfields’ unbeaten start with a 3-2 win at the Memorial Stadium, goals coming from Libby Davies, Lashai McNama and Gipsy Viveash.
An incredible performance from this group 🫂@FAWNL pic.twitter.com/LWrksQDggi
Maidenhead United came from 2-0 down at half time to beat Torquay, with Mae Goulden’s second in the fourth minute of injury time completing the fightback.
Marine Academy Plymouth also won 3-2, against Bournemouth Sports, while Bridgwater United made it five wins from five with a 2-0 triumph against Abingdon United.
Sach Keneko-Grun scored twice in Keynsham United’s 4-0 victory over Ascot United and Gwalia United picked up a 2-0 win at Wycombe Wanderers.