Leeds United Women outcome inevitable v Norton and Stockton, Simon Wood rightly frustrated
Simon Wood admitted to being frustrated after Leeds United Women played out a goalless draw against Norton & Stockton Ancients.
The Whites were seeking back-to-back league victories in Sunday’s (24 March) contest after thrashing York City 5-1 last time out.
That game was just three days prior, making for a rare quick turnaround in games in what has been an annoyingly stop-start run of fixtures.
After long stretches between games, Leeds are now having to cram in fixtures as they look to catch up on matches missed for various reasons.
That always meant there would be a risk of tiredness against Norton & Ancient, and so that proved as Leeds were unable to find a breakthrough.
Leeds United Women fourth in FAWNL Division One North table
Leeds enjoyed large spells of possession but just could not find a way past a resolute visiting defence in Garforth.
Kelsie Moore was also alert in the Norton goal to make some smart saves, including one early on to deny in-form Jess Rousseau.
Speaking to LUTV [24 March] after the game, Wood said: “It was a frustrating afternoon. Norton got behind the ball and made it difficult for us.
“We struggled to break them down. It was one of those afternoons where we couldn’t find a breakthrough.
“If you’re not going to win a game, don’t lose it. The point moves us up the league so we’ll try to take the positives.
“Playing Thursday after a lay-off, you could see we were a little bit leggy. That extended break was in our legs a bit. But you can’t fault the effort.”
As Wood says, it is important to take the positives away from the game, with this point moving Leeds fourth in the FAWNL Division One North.
Finishing third is a realistic prospect, with Durham Cestria only a point better off, but Wood’s side will have to learn from the Norton stalemate.
And with two games in the space of four days next week, rustiness should not be an issue.
In other Leeds United news, Ben Jacobs has shared an update on the latest with Kalvin Phillips to Elland Road.
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