Simon Wood has ‘simple’ Leeds United Women choice to make v Barnsley
Leeds United Women picked up another three points on Sunday afternoon with a 3-0 win against Norton and Stockton Ancients.
The Whites got off to a slow start to the New Year after returning from the winter break, but are now unbeaten in three of their last four games.
However, promotion seems to have slipped out of reach with 10 points separating Simon Wood’s side in fourth from the top of the table.
Kath Smith stands out for Leeds in win v Norton
Leeds may have been facing lesser opposition, but they still had to get the business done.
The quality in Wood’s side was clear with Kat Smith, Drew Greene and Alice Hughes all getting their names on the scoresheet on the afternoon.
It was Smith who was awarded player of the match for her performance across the 90 minutes rightfully earning plaudits from those watching.
Unfortunately for the Whites, with Chorley, Middlesbrough and Cheadle Town all winning their games too, it means the top of the table remains looking the same.
| Team | Position | Goal difference | Points |
| Cheadle Town | 1 | 24 | 42 |
| Middlesbrough | 2 | 17 | 39 |
| Chorley | 3 | 15 | 36 |
| Leeds United | 4 | 14 | 32 |
The games are running out for Leeds now as the end of the campaign is in sight, but Wood should have no doubt about what he needs to do in games coming up.
Wood has easy decision to make for Leeds v Barnsley
Leeds have two weeks to wait before playing again, giving them a bit of a rest, but upon their return to league action, they will take on seventh-placed Barnsley.
It does look unlikely that the Whites will achieve their aims of promotion this term, but all Wood’s side can do is keep their standards high until the end of the campaign in the hope that it pays off.
The boss has his part to play though and Smith’s performance against Norton surely made it clear what has to be done.
Smith was benched for Leeds’ prior game, a 2-1 loss against Huddersfield Town before Wood brought her into the starting line-up against Norton.
It was more than just a goal that she contributed as she showed her ability to cover all areas of the pitch and push her side into strong positions going forward.
Wood has to throw everything he can at getting victories from the final four games of the season, and the inclusion of Smith will only help those aims of victory.