Credit: Imago

Carla Devine

Sun 23 February 2025 22:10, UK

Leeds United Women are pushing at the top end of the table as they continue to fight for promotion.

However, with games coming in inconsistent blocks of time, it has been hard for the Whites to gather or maintain their momentum at times this term.

Since returning from the Christmas break, Simon Wood’s side have not had the chance to play much football with games being postponed due to weather conditions.

However, in the three games they had played, they lost two and won one.

Therefore, heading into a game against Durham Cestria on Sunday (23 February), who sat in sixth while the Whites were two places ahead in fourth, offered a way to build on a 6-3 victory against Doncaster Belles.

Leeds United in dramatic closing stages against Durham

It was Durham who took the lead on Sunday after the 60th minute and as the clock ticked down, Wood was no doubt dropping in confidence when it came to his side getting back into it.

However, in the 83rd minute, it was Kath Smith who looked as though she was going to be the saviour of the afternoon after she levelled the scores with a penalty that was given for a handball in the box.

Just three minutes later, the Whites undid their own hard work and conceded with a shot that looped over Charlotte Oates in goal from near the edge of the box.

The drama did not stop there though and two minutes later, Leeds got themselves back into it thanks to a great free kick from Sarah Danby.

Thankfully for both sides probably, no more goals were scored and each side took a point from the game.

This leaves both sides taking a point but in a push for the top of the table, whether that is enough for Leeds at this stage in the season is questionable.

📰 #LUFCW come from behind twice to seal a 2-2 draw with Durham Cestria, thanks to goals from Smith and Danby pic.twitter.com/YZP2W9WwnX

— Leeds United Women (@LUFCwomen) February 23, 2025

Wood won’t know whether to be happy or disappointed

This has to be a bit of a bittersweet afternoon for Wood and his Leeds United side.

If you had offered the boss a point from the game in the 80th minute, he no doubt would’ve bitten your hand off as his side did not look like they were going to find a way back.

Furthermore, to get another late goal to ensure they came away with a point at the end of the game is exactly the type of display you want to see from your side as you enter an important part of the campaign.

With that being said, Wood is a manager who keeps his standards high and so with that in mind, whether he would be pleased with how his side conceded straight after getting themselves back into the game is questionable.

This also left the Whites chasing to gain a point rather than trying to build off the momentum of a goal and come away with all three which could be really vital come the end of the season.

Chorley and Cheadle Town taking a point each on Sunday probably is the best outcome for the West Yorkshire outfit as it ensures neither side pull too far away from Leeds in the table.

However, with limited time in the season left, time could be running out for the Whites this term, leaving Wood and his team looking at this game as a missed opportunity to run riot in the closing minutes.