Leeds United 3 Rovers Belles 1

Thursday 11th October 2007, Tadcaster Albion FC

Rovers Belles travelled the short trip up to Tadcaster Albion for the first derby game of the season against Leeds United in the Womens Premier League last night (Thursday) following on from their draw against Chelsea last Sunday. Leeds were playing their first home league game at their new home The Park after moving from Garforth and included experienced England midfielder Sue Smith in the line up while Rovers Belles kept the same starting line up as on Sunday. Tadcaster's ground sits at the side of the John Smith's brewery so there was pervading odour of hops wafting around as the team came out.

Rovers were pushed back from the opening minutes and by the twentieth minute found themselves two down after slick football by a quick and agile Leeds side. Rovers could not find the same rhythm that they had produced against Chelsea and rarely troubled the Leeds defence but against the run of play on 40 minutes a good move left Canadian Liz Hansen on the by line and after a great bit of control she slammed the ball in from an acute angle for her second of the season to brig the Rovers Belles back into the game. Just has it seemed that Rovers Belles would go in at half time just one behind, They gaimned a corner taken by Leat but her corner only found a Leeds player on the edge of the box and they surged forward to score their third leaving the Belles a mountain to climb in the second half.

Whatever manager John Buckley said in his half time talk definitely had the desired effect has the girls upped the tempo and played with much more thought. With Liz Hansen continuing to trouble the Leeds defence, Rovers Belles went in search of the goal that would put them back in the game but despite numerous chances for Liz Hansen and Precious Hamilton they just could not get the ball through the Leeds defence. So Rovers still have to find their first league win of the season but should soon have some of their injured players back. They travel to Watford this Sunday for the League Cup before getting back to the Keepmoat Stadium No 2 pitch for game against Liverpool next Wednesday (KO 7.45)