Nottingham Forest Ladies 3-2 Leeds Utd Ladies

Venue: Hucknall Rolls Leisure Complex, Watnall Road, Hucknall, Notts

Competition: F.A. Women's Premier League North Division

Scorers:
Forest - Kelly Kennaugh (65), Meagan Howard (70), Amber Hughes (90)
Leeds - (I think) -- Zoe Roberts (20), Emma Coates (55)

Forest battled back superbly from a 2 goal deficit, but their opponents were deserving of at least a point from this game after they made their hosts look anything but title contenders during the first hour of the game .

                     

The home team looked sluggish right from the kick off, whilst Leeds began the game passing the ball neatly and created enough in the final third to deeply trouble the Forest back line. 

It looked only a matter of time before United would open the scoring, and with 20 played ZOE ROBERTS was on hand to prod home after a shot from range had cannoned off the crossbar. 

Forest showed little in attack, and if Leeds had have been a little more clinical in front of goal they could have put this game to bed before the interval. H-T 0-1

Leeds doubled their advantage just after the restart, an attempted clearance by Reds keeper Vanessa Kinnerley was blocked and EMMA COATES managed to tap the loose ball gently over the line.

Forest had a great chance to get back into the game a couple of minutes later when they were awarded a penalty for an infringement in the box.  Amber Hughes stepped up to take the spot kick, but fired the ball three yards wide of the Leeds goal. 

This miss seemed to stir Hughes into action and her performance after the penalty failure was stunning. It was her superbly flighted free-kick on 65 that was met by a powerful header from KELLY KENNAUGH 15 yards from goal that flew into the net.

Amber Hughes in action (courtesy NFLFC twitter feed)

Forest replaced Kirsty Allen and Lucy Webster with Andi Bell and Megan Howard, and were soon level when HOWARD spectacularly volleyed home from the edge of the box on 70.

The fightback was completed in the final minute when Tasha Meade carried the ball to the by-line and picked out AMBER HUGHES on the edge of the area who fired an arrow straight effort right into the far corner. Sian Binks in the visitors goal could do nothing but wave at the ball as it flew past her.  F-T 3-2

This result keeps the Reds in contention -  their next game is on Thursday 3rd April  at home to League leaders Sheffield FC Ladies.... could be the championship decider.