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Leeds City Girls 7 Hull City Girls 0.
17/3/07
The Leeds Girls made a welcome return to the Stadio della Santa Teresa with an emphatic 7 nil victory against Hull.
The non paying, non travelling public were packed into the Arndale end, in windy conditions as the entire game was played unfortunately with the new cantilever roof in the retracted position.
Despite the final score-line the first 10 minutes of this Yorkshire derby was a scrappy affair until following a good through ball from Olivia Taylor, Lauren Creasser finished with aplomb to make it one nil to Leeds. Fairly soon after this Emma Guilder chased down the Hull defence won the ball back and made it two nil to Leeds.
Even when they are in the ascendancy it is good to see that Leeds continue to work hard to deny the opposition scoring opportunities, as was personified by Ashleigh Goodman’s stout work in midfield in the second period. This commitment is encouraged by the Leeds manager Janis Stephenson who on one occasion was heard to shout “Don’t Panic”, Dunkirk spirit indeed!
Whenever Hull did get a shot on goal Lil Bush in the Leeds net dealt with the threat confidently, even when perhaps harshly, Hull were awarded a free-kick for a pass back to the keeper.
Again Reagan Morley was commanding in defence. As was Danni Boyle, who was also involved with a neat throw in move following a secret whispered command that resulted in Sophie Varley being free on goal to finish well and make it three nil.
Just before the end of the second period Ellie Swinhoe made one of her characteristic runs from midfield eventually finishing with a thunderous shot that nearly burst the net at the Seacroft end. Four nil to Leeds.
In the third period following a strong tackle from Danni Boyle Abbie O’Toole fed a neat ball through to Emma Guilder for her to finish well for Leeds’ Fifth and Emma’s second.
Emily Holden continued to be dominant in defence and could easily have added her name to the score sheet when she came close with a powerful run and shot. During this passage of play Sophie Varley was also unlucky to score.
Soon afterwards Reagan Morley cleared well and following a mazy run from Oliver Taylor, Olivier was also unlucky to score when she eventually rattled the metalwork of the Hull post.
Lauren Creasser, Ashleigh Goodman and Lil Bush continued to perform well in defence towards the end of the third period. Soon afterwards Abbie O’Toole added Leeds’ sixth with a fine goal that she made herself with a tricky and incisive run.
The whistle went for the end of the third period and home fans were already hurrying to the exit when the referee indicated that there would be a fourth period of play. There were a number of unsporting mutterings from the Arndale end where the supporters were obviously ready for their usual post match 8 pints of mild and steaming bowl of “growlers and shirt-lifters” in Station Tap room.
However no-one can say that the non paying public don’t get value for money at the Stadio as the game continued into a fourth period.
Emily Holden continued to run strongly in the final session and the game finished with Ellie Swinhoe being free on the Hull goal to finish coolly for her second and Leeds’ 7th.
Seven nil to Leeds their most convincing win of the season. However it is only fair for the final mention to go to the Hull girls who continued to battle through-out, in a game that was tough for them particularly as they didn’t have any substitutes to call on.
Quotes of the Week;
“The heating could be turned up in this stand”
“XXXX hell a game of 4 halfs.”
Match report submitted by Neil Guilder
Leeds Scorers:
Emma Guilder 2
Ellie Swinhoe 2
Lauren Creasser 1
Sophie Varley 1
Abbie O’Toole 1
Match Report – 03/03/07
St Helens 5 v 2 Leeds City Girls
The Leeds girls acquitted themselves well although they were beaten on the day by a strong St Helens team.
Initially Leeds were under a lot of pressure with Dani Boyle defending stoutly to keep St Helens out. Leeds took some time to get used to the fast astro-turf surface, but when they did Ashleigh Goodman made some good breaks. Particularly in the first half Leeds goalie, Lil Bush stood out as she made a string of fine saves, the best of which she tipped against the bar. Leeds came into their own and during a positive period Ellie Swinhoe and Sophie Varley both came close after fine runs and strong shots on goal. However St Helens took the lead, and would have added to it if Lauren Creasser hadn’t performed a timely intervention. Soon afterwards Raegan Morley stopped the Saints in their tracks with a number of crunching tackles. St Helens made it two nil but in reply Emily Holden pulled one back for Leeds with an amazing goal from well inside her own half. At Half-Time it was 2-1 to the home team.
The second half was definitely St Helens as they ran in 3 goals. However Leeds pulled one back with a fine goal which Emma Guilder converted coolly following a classy through ball from Abbie O’Toole. It wasn’t Leeds’ day in the North West with the final score 5 – 2 to the Saints, but to their credit the girls kept battling to the end.
BY POPULAR DEMAND I HAVE INCLUDED ‘QUOTE OF THE WEEK’. ANSWERS ON A POSTCARD PLEASE IF YOU CAN IDENTIFY WHICH PARENT SAID THE FOLLOWING…
“THEY KEEP THE GRASS NICE AND SHORT AT ST HELENS”
(THE PITCH WAS ASTRO-TURF)
Match Report submitted by Neil Guilder
Leeds Goal Scorers: Emily Holden
Emma Guilder
Match Report: 24/02/07
Lumley Ladies (Chester-le-Street) v Leeds City Girls
Away from the Stadio Leeds continued their impressive string of performances with a 4 – Nil victory in the North East at Lumley Ladies.
Olivia Taylor began well on the right side of defence, on a muddy and unmarked pitch. Raegan Morley, as usual ensured that the opposition attackers struggled to make progress.
The first two Leeds goals both involved Sophie Varley and Emma Guilder. For the first goal Emma passed to Sophie for her to score and to make it two nil Sophie fed Emma for her to finish. A feature of the Leeds performance throughout was the strong running of the midfield, Abbie O’Toole, Emily Holden and Ashleigh Goodman all starred in this position.
In the second 3rd Dani Boyle showed that she could impress in both attack as well as defence when she broke forward and came close with a strong shot. Shortly after this Lil Bush maintained Leeds’ clean sheet with two good saves as the North Easterners attacked. As the game progressed Olivia Taylor made an impressive mazy run that she concluded with a fine cross, which Sophie Varley almost headed into the corner of the Lumley goal.
In the 3rd quarter Ellie Swinhoe came into her own with a number of strong runs. It was following one of those runs that Ellie passed to Emma Guilder for her to score her second and Leeds’ third. Leeds could easily have added to their lead as Emily Holden, Abbie O’Toole and Raegan Morley all came close with good efforts. Towards the end of the game Ellie Swinhoe broke free to score a deserved goal to make it four for Leeds.
The four-nil score line was maintained with strong defending at the end by Dani Boyle and a fine save by Lil Bush.
Howay the lasses from Leeds as they finished 4-0 victors of Lumley Ladies. The Leeds coach Janis Stephenson and the none paying travelling public will be looking forward with confidence to next weeks away trip at St Helens.
Match Report submitted by Neil Guilder.
LEEDS SCORERS: EMMA GUILDER (2) SOPHIE VARLEY ELLIE SWINHOE
MATCH REPORT – 13/01/07
Leeds City Girls U11 v Hull Girls U11
On a Virtual grass surface with a virtual 3rd session, Leeds continued their impressive literal run against Hull and triumphed 4 – 0 winners.
The facilities at Hull University were top class although there were complaints from the non-paying travelling public due to the lack of breakfast.
Leeds began strongly with Raegan Morley as commanding as ever in defence. After 5 minutes Emily Holden who motored strongly throughout the game linked well with Lauren Creasser. Thankfully the referee, who had been given permission by his mother not to finish his homework, was on hand to award a goal when following a sweeping move Abbie O’Toole was on hand to pass the ball calmly into the Hull net. During the first half Ashleigh Goodman showed her versatility by performing well up front. It was really good to see Sophie Varley make it two nil to Leeds just before the half time with a great-headed goal, the first headed goal for Leeds this campaign.
The second half continued well for Leeds with Olivia Taylor working creatively throughout. Dani Boyle and Lil Bush remained strong and steadfast in defence and goal as Leeds were determined not to let Hull back into the game. Emma Guilder turned well and shot in one movement but this was well saved by the Hull Keeper. The Leeds pressure continued and after a complicated interchange, Abbie O’Toole got her second and Leeds’ third. Sophie Varley tested the solidity of the Hull goalpost with a powerful shot and a number of other Leeds players came close before Lauren Creasser ran from her own half to score impressively. Leeds deservedly triumphed 4 nil; they certainly relish their trips to the East Coast.
A view of the virtual third session can be found on the Man Booker website where I believe it has been short listed for an award.
Leeds look forward to returning to the Stadio for their next match against Nottingham, where given the lengthened break the non-paying public will be able to marvel at the completed Media Centre and Hotel Complex that has now been completed at the ‘ARNDALE’ end.
Match Report submitted by Neil Guilder.
Leeds Scores: Abbie O’Toole (2)
Sophie Varley
Lauren Creasser
Match report – Saturday 18/11/06
Hull Girls U11’s 3 v 9 Leeds City Girls U11’s
Hull’s attempt to confuse Leeds with the late switch of venue didn’t work as Leeds returned their best performance of the year with a resounding 9 – 3 win.
On a large pitch Leeds began the 1st third strongly with powerful running from Ellie Swinhoe. Following this initial pressure Ellie threaded the ball through the Hull defence to Sophie Varley who finished well to make it one nil to Leeds. The cheers from the travelling non-paying public could be heard back at the Stadio when following good work from Raegan Morley, Emma Guilder ran clear to make it 2 nil to Leeds.
It was total football from Leeds as Lauren Creasser broke from defence and had a strong shot at the Hull Goal. The Leeds midfield threatened to swamp the Tigers with impressive linking work from Abbie O’Toole and Emily Holden. When Hull did manage to break forward Raegan Morley and Dani Boyle were strong in defence and impressive in their passing through the middle and down the line.
Ashley Goodman and Lauren Creasser were also working well with Leeds producing a real advantage through their strong 9-girl team. Both Ellie and Sophie had further good shots at the Hull goal before Emma Guilder coolly made it 3 nil.
It’s always hard for a keeper to keep her concentration when her team are so dominant but Lil Bush showed that she was up to the task when she saved well from a Hull Attack. Right at the end of the 1st third Ellie Swinhoe unselfishly threaded the ball through to Emma who nonchalantly completed her hat-trick.
In the 2nd third the cold wind was whipping in from Sweden but this didn’t stop Leeds through Abbie and Lauren from further dominating Hull in midfield. Whenever Hull were attacking Raegan and Dani snuffed out their attacks with aplomb. Midway through the third Hull pulled a goal back to make it 4–1, and continued their pressurising by forcing a good save out of Lil. Sophie switched up a gear in response powerfully shooting to make it 5–1 to Leeds. Perhaps the best goal of the game came when Sophie shot from fully 20 yards to also complete her hat-trick and make it 6-1 to Leeds.
To add to Leeds’ supremacy following a sweeping move involving Abbie and Ashley, Emily Holden was on hand to score her first goal for Leeds and make it 7-1 to the whites.
Who needs Sven Goran Erickson when Leeds have Janis Stephenson? (Svenis!). Her substitution selection worked superbly as Ellie Swinhoe deservedly got her first goal; this was quickly followed by an even more impressive 2nd goal. Leeds now led 9-2. Although Hull pulled a goal back Leeds clearly were the better team on the day with Ashley Goodman finishing the game particularly strongly.
The final score of 9-3 to Leeds was a true reflection of Leeds’ dominant performance, which was a result of accurate passing, strong running and timely tackling.
It will be standing room only at the Stadio when Leeds face Hull in the next outing in 2 weeks.
Match reporter
Neil Guilder
Leeds Scorers: Sophie Varley (3)
Emma Guilder (3)
Ellie Swinhoe (2)
Emily Holden (1)
IDENTIFY THE QUOTE:
“ I PREFER MAYPOLE DANCING TO FOOTBALL”
“TURN THE AIR CONDITIONING ON PLEASE DRIVER”
Leeds City Girls U11’s v South Tyneside Girls U11’s 21/10/06.
Leeds’ second home game of the season against South Tyneside was very much a game of three halves, as Leeds faired differently in each of the three twenty minute sessions.
The non-paying public at the Stadio della Santa Teresa must have thought it was deja-vue “all over again”, as Leeds began the first session slowly, with Tyneside definitely coming out of the blocks quicker. The bright spark to begin with was Leeds’ new signing Emily Holden who began her city career with some impressive early touches.
With throw backs to last week’s Nottingham game Leeds initially relied on some solid defending from Reagan Morley and Dani Boyle. Lil Bush again starred in goal with some good saves in the first session, and indeed through-out the whole game.
Leeds’ best two moves in the first period were a dipping long range shot from Sophie Varley and a powerful run and shot from Ellie Swinhoe. However both efforts were to no avail, and Leeds needed timely midfield interventions from Lauren Creasser and Olivia Taylor to remain on equal terms.
Leeds remained under the cosh as the session progressed and ultimately went behind to an unlucky own goal.
The goals continued in the session as Jasmin Springer ran well in midfield and forced a corner that was confidently placed into the back of the South Tyneside net by Abbie O’Toole.
Unfortunately for Leeds, South Tyneside went back in front just before the end of the first period with a well-taken goal scored on the break.
In the second session Ashleigh Goodman linked well for Leeds with good work in the middle of the park. However if the first third was unsatisfactory the second was even worse. At times Leeds performed a good impersonation of a new modern art establishment perhaps entitled “static footballers in white”.
During this passage of play South Tyneside went further ahead. In response Leeds began to get better, bolstered by mobile and timely defending from Raegan Morley and more goods saves from Lil Bush.
Further up the field initially Sophie Varley found herself isolated but still managed an explosive run and shot on goal. Emily Holden was also working well at this time.
Amid some confusion for the non-paying public the second “half” came to an end to be replaced by the third “half”. Leeds played for most of this period like we know they can, Jasmin Springer and Olivia Taylor worked well down both flanks. Following a strong passage play Lauren Creasser slotted a good ball from defence through to Emma Guilder who ran free and chipped the ball over the advancing South Tyneside keeper with her left foot.
Ellie Swinhoe and Abbie O’Toole ran strongly through the Tyneside defence on a number of occasions as Leeds played like a different team. Dani Boyle bolstered the defence when required.
Parity was achieved following a ranging run from Ellie Swinhoe when she linked with Emma Guilder who finished the move with a right foot equalizing finish. Unfortunately for Leeds Tyneside kept battling down the hill and there were a number of mazy runs from their excellent number nine.
Jasmin Springer and Ashleigh Goodman continued to work hard but it was cruel that South Tyneside should ultimately take the game 4-3 via a freak own goal.
Leeds have every reason to go into their mid-season break in Marbella with the satisfaction of some positive initial performances against good opposition, with the strongest being today’s opponents, South Tyneside.
Next up is a mid November game at the Stadio against Hull. If Leeds can begin this game as strongly as they have finished their games so far then the none paying public should be in for a treat.
Your roving reporter has been asked to include an irregular section called “unanimous quote of the day”; a large cash prize will be awarded by Leeds City Council (I assume you really mean yourself, Mr Guilder or do you have a contact with the Council!!!!)(added by Jackie) to any players or supporters who can identify the following quotes:
1) Versus Nottingham, “Mum why have my legs gone blue?”.
2) Versus South Tyneside, “For the next match please can you include a report on the food?”
Answers on a postcard please.
Match Reporter
Neil Guilder
Leeds Scorers:
Abbie O’Toole
Emma Guilder (2)
Match Report – 14 October 2006
Nottingham City Girls U11 1 v 2 Leeds City Girls U11
The Whites of Leeds took on the Greens of Nottingham in a hard fought close encounter at the excellent facilities of Nottingham University.
The pitch was larger and the grass certainly shorter than the Leeds girls were used to. It is true to say that the Nottingham team began the stronger. Leeds took time to settle in the early part of the first half, against a Nottingham team that tackled strongly and passed well.
During this early period Leeds had to defend resolutely, and there were solid interventions at the back from Raegan Morley and Dani Boyle. There was also some impressive shot stopping from the Debutant, in goal, Lil Bush. Strong defending was a feature of this Leeds performance throughout the match, and it was because of this defensive platform that Leeds were ultimately able to win the game.
As the first half developed Leeds’ only serious attacking break was a powerful run from midfield by Ellie Swinhoe. The whole first half was very hard fought and Leeds Manager Janis Stephenson made full use of her rotational substitution options. Leeds’ second positive attack resulted in an imaginative short corner move by Lauren Creasser. Towards the end of the first half the Leeds girls went behind to a Nottingham goal that on the balance of play was probably deserved.
The Leeds defence continued to hold up the Greens’ attacks and Jasmin Springer showed her bravery when she took a hard knock in a crunching 50 – 50 challenge. The first half culminated with some more impressive saves from Lil Bush.
In the second half Leeds stepped up a gear and there was strong running and chasing from Sophie Varley and Olivia Taylor. It appeared, as the half progressed, that it would only be a matter of time before Leeds would equalise. However Leeds wanted to keep their non-paying public on tenderhooks as Sophie Varley came close and Ellie Swinhoe hit the post after a sweeping move that started in the Leeds half. Abbie O’Toole was now maintaining the one goal deficit with some strong defending. Half way through the second half Ellie Swinhoe threaded the ball through to Emma Guilder who provided Leeds with a deserved equaliser with a clinical finish.
Leeds now pressed energetically to go into the lead. Danielle Boyle hit the post in this period and Lauren Creasser and Ashleigh Goodman were linking well in the final quarter. Indeed as this positive Leeds passage continued Sophie Varley was very unlucky not to score following another good move. Ultimately Abbie O’Toole linked well with Emma Guilder who slotted the ball in the corner of the net.
Leeds held on to the final whistle with Ashleigh Goodman, Olivia Taylor, Raegan Morley and Jasmin defending doggedly.
This was a satisfying victory for Leeds full of teamwork and hard work made all the more impressive as they came from behind to win.
They now look forward to trying to maintain their unbeaten start to the season, next week, with a challenge against South Tyneside, at the Stadio Del St Theresa’s.
Goals scored by:Emma Guilder
Match Report Saturday 09/09/06
Leeds Schools FA U11 girl’s v St Helens U11 girl’s
On a glorious sunny Saturday morning at St Theresa’s School in Crossgates the Leeds Schools U11 girl’s squad embarked on their 2006/07 campaign. The girls came away with a deserved 3 – 3 draw against a well-organised team from St Helens.
St Helens started the game very strongly and were soon 1 – 0 up. The goal was a little unfortunate on the Leeds team who were playing the game without a recognised goalkeeper. Leeds equalised after some good work in midfield that led to Emma Guilder scoring from close range following a pass from Ellie Swinhoe. After 10 minutes Leeds changed keepers with another outfield player having to take a turn in goal. St Helens regrouped and scored their second goal of the game after the Leeds defence failed to clear a loose ball. With the play flowing from end to end both teams had chances to increase the scoring. St Helens grabbed their third goal just before half time.
The second half began with the Leeds team on top and they scored their second goal of the game following some good defensive play by Danielle Boyle. Danielle dispossessed the St Helens attacker and played the ball down the line to Sophie Varley. The play was quickly switched and after a strong run Ellie put the ball in the box where Sophie was on hand at the back post to score with a cleanly struck shot into the bottom corner. Confidence was now growing throughout the Leeds team and they continued to play the ball about. The final goal of the game came when Leeds grabbed a well-earned equaliser. A strong run down the left led to Emma reaching the by line and pulling the ball back to the edge of the box where Abbie O’Toole calmly controlled the ball and side footed it into the corner giving the St Helens keeper no chance.
The last few minutes of the game saw the Leeds defence under pressure as St Helens pushed forward for the winner. After a number of fine saves from Leeds’ 4th different keeper of the game (Raegan Morley) it finished all square at 3 – 3.
A great start to the season with the perfect result as neither team deserved to loose this exciting encounter. Every team Members gave their all and each players individual performance showed this. There were also some strong displays from Lauren Creasser, Jasmine Springer and Olivia Taylor in midfield. Jasmine and Olivia did well considering they had only joined up with the rest of the squad today.
Leeds scorers:
Emma Guilder SophieVarley
Abbie O’Toole |