HUDDERSFIELD Town found Leeds United too quick and strong in the West Riding County FA Women's Cup final at Woodlesford last night.
After a promising start in the opening minutes they suddenly found life difficult, and once Leeds found their feet it was tough going for this young Town side, half of whom were under 16 years of age.
Leeds were quick on the break, and Town's defence found the long through balls difficult to cope with against centre-forward Sarah Dobby, who was a constant threat with her pace.
The opening goal came after only six minutes when from a cross by Dobby, Emma Bentley headed home.
Moments later and Dobby had an effort cleared off the line by goalkeeper Sarah Pollard, and Leeds followed up with several more efforts that brought the Town defence some anxious moments.
Town were under the cosh at this stage, and it was relieved only momentarily when a rare excursion into Leeds territory brought a shot from Emma Poole which was comfortably held by Leeds keeper Claire Wallhead.
But that was as much as Town could muster as Leeds dominated. Shelley Donohoe put them 2-0 up and Julie Lewis made it 3-0 after 36 minutes.
Bentley added a her second and United's fourth after 61 minutes to complete the scoring.
Town created some chances but their valiant efforts went unrewarded.
Manager Mick Booth said afterwards.
"We didn't do ourselves justice and we can play better than that. But Leeds are a good side."
Leeds were the better side on the day but Town shouldn't get despondent. If this young side can stick together and get stronger it could be their turn to lift the trophy in years to come.
Town - Pollard, Blackburn (Jessop, 78mins), Woodworth (T), Woodworth (L), Foster, Woodworth (Lee Anne), McCluskey, Poole, Robshaw, Atkinson (Gibson, 85mins), Kennerdale (Shaw, 78mins). Sub (not used): Copeland.
Leeds United - Wallhead, Copeland, Broadhurst (Emmonds, 71mins), Hobson, Storr, Lewis (Richardson, 80mins), Tringer, Woodhead, Dobby, Donohoe (Jerzucak, 80mins), Bentley.
