Leeds United Women and Durham Cestria LFC played out a 5-5 draw in a thrilling encounter at the Global Stadium on Sunday. The hosts led 4-1 at half-time, thanks to a brace from Laura Bartup and goals from Rebecca Hunt and Abbie Brown. However, the visitors staged a remarkable comeback in the second half, with Jordan Atkinson scoring a hat-trick and Ellen Turnbull adding two more goals. Bartup completed her hat-trick for Leeds, but it was not enough to secure the win.
Leeds United Women dominate the first half
Leeds United Women started the game on the front foot and took the lead in the 11th minute, when Bartup set up Hunt to fire in from 10 yards. Brown then doubled the lead in the 27th minute, with a superb lob over the Durham keeper, who had spilled a loose ball. Bartup made it 3-0 five minutes later, finishing from close range after a free kick from Olivia Smart. Durham pulled one back in the 36th minute, when Atkinson tapped in a cross from Crosthwaite. However, Bartup restored the three-goal cushion just before the break, with a powerful shot from 15 yards.
Durham Cestria LFC fight back in the second half
Durham Cestria LFC showed great character and resilience in the second half, as they scored four goals to level the game. Atkinson scored her second goal in the 55th minute, reducing the gap to two goals. Bartup completed her hat-trick in the 53rd minute, with a brilliant volley from 15 yards, but it was not enough to stop the Durham onslaught. Turnbull scored in the 65th and 88th minutes, while Atkinson completed her hat-trick in the 78th minute, to make it 5-5. Leeds United Women had some chances to win the game, but Durham keeper King made some crucial saves to deny them.
A missed opportunity for Leeds United Women
The result meant that Leeds United Women missed the chance to go three points clear at the top of the FAWNL Division One North table, as they remain level on points with Liverpool Feds, who have a game in hand. Durham Cestria LFC moved up to third place, four points behind the leaders, with two games in hand. Both teams will be looking to bounce back from the draw, as they face tough opponents in their next fixtures. Leeds United Women will host Middlesbrough Women, who are currently fourth in the table, while Durham Cestria LFC will travel to Barnsley Women, who are fifth.
