Leeds United Women just absolutely torched Thornaby Women 7-0 on opening day, kicking off their 2026/27 FA WNL Division One North campaign with an absolute statement! This wasn’t just a win, it was an emphatic, lights-out, “sit up and take notice” kind of performance at the BD Community Stadium. New signings Holly Mears in goal and Izzy Dean in the XI were straight into the action, showing everyone this Leeds team means business from the jump.
First Half Blitz: A Four-Goal Frenzy
Thornaby actually came out pushing early, with Faye Dale dragging a strike wide of the far post. But Leeds responded fast. Amy Woodruff was right there on a Chloe Dixon flick-on, though Thornaby keeper Elen Valentine was quick to scoop it up. Drew Greene curled a dangerous ball in, and Dixon’s half-volley just missed. But the Whites found their rhythm, and by the 26th minute, the breakthrough was here! Darcie Greene worked some magic on the left, found Drew Greene on the opposite wing, who then whipped a low cross right to Woodruff to bang it home. Just four minutes later, Leeds snagged a second when Shauna Legge charged down the right and crossed low. It deflected off Jennifer Knowles and straight into the net for an own goal.
Then things really got wild. In quickfire fashion around the 40th minute, Leeds dropped two more. Darcie Greene unleashed a thunderbolt from 30 yards out, a truly outrageous shot into the top corner. Talk about making a statement! Moments later, Alice Hughes smacked one off the post, but she was first to the rebound, squaring it to Drew Greene for an easy tap-in. Four goals, zero answers for Thornaby. What a first half!
Second Half Stomp: No Letting Up
The second half started just like the first ended, with Leeds on fire. Only two minutes in, Chloe Dixon converted from outside the area after a sweet touch and turn, making it 5-0. After that, the game settled a bit, with Leeds comfortably in control. Alayna Millard replaced Drew Greene, and Leeds kept pressing. Jennifer Knowles unfortunately scored her second own goal of the day in the 76th minute, making it six for the Whites. And just to put an exclamation point on things, Amy Woodruff grabbed her brace in stoppage time, 90+2 minutes in, for the seventh goal. That’s how you close out a game.
This 7-0 thrashing is a massive opening day win. It shows exactly what this Leeds United Women’s squad is capable of, sending a clear message to the rest of the FA WNL Division One North. With a performance like this, you gotta be hyped for what’s coming next. This team looks ready to absolutely tear it up this season!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply