It was the final home game for our ladies who knew that victory would put them 4th with one game left to be played, as they hosted Sporting Khalsa.

The first half didn't see many chances for either side but it was Sporting Khalsa who had the first meaningful shot of the game which was well saved by Leek keeper, Beth Cottrell who flew to her left hand side to deny a long range effort. As the half grew on and Sporting Khalsa missed more chances from range, Leek started to get into their groove and built the play up nicely but like Khalsa, struggled to make use of their attacking plays. With 3 minutes left to play in the first half, Khalsa won a penalty after the referee adjudged that Katie Maya brought down the player despite no calls from the opposition asking for a penalty. The penalty was converted with Beth Cottrell being sent the wrong way. Just before half time blew, Leek should of been level but saw their effort well saved by the Khalsa keeper to tip Leeks effort out for a corner.

Second half Leek stepped up their play and looked to get back into the game and keep their undefeated run going, after some nice play in the middle, Katie Maya found Chantelle Gallagher who timed her run expertly to break Sporting Khalsa defensive line, from a tight angle Gallagher looked like she measured it right bending the ball around the keeper but found it clipping off the post and coming back into play and the follow up effort by Rehanne Mellor was blocked on the goal line. Minutes later Gallagher flicked the ball over two Khalsa defenders for Winger Mollie Garner but saw her long range effort go over the crossbar. It was then captain Cass Hyde to then break through but saw her efforr whilste wide of the post. Leeks final chance of the game came from youngster Lucy Knowles who has impressed all season long for the reserves, showing her quality and confidence to move the ball quickly nutmeg her marker and attempt a chip over the keeper who made a wonderful save to deny Lucy Knowles a goal of the season contender.

Leek will now face Long Eaton away in their final game of the season, for the battle of fourth place in the FA Womens National League Midlands Division One.

Full Time

Leek Town- 0

Sporting Khalsa- 1

Squad- Beth Cottrell, Cass Hyde, Lucy Goodfellow, Emma Smith, Gina Rushton, Becky Arnold, Rhian Morris, Chantelle Gallagher, Katie Gibbons, Katie Maya, Paris O’Connor, Rehanne Mellor, Lucy Knowles

Player of the Match- Cass Hyde