As Manager Andy Burgess wrapped up the session I was able to grab a few minutes with midfielders Abi Lee (above) and Rachel Lee (below). Leeds United Ladies are flying high at the minute, there is one cup already in the trophy cabinet another cup final to come and the small matter of the league title is still within their grasp.
It is a game that Ossett born Abil Lee is looking forward to. “I joined Leeds when I was ten years old, before that I played for both Thornes and Ossett Town so playing in my home town is great and means people who are not always able to make games can come and support, it is always nice to see familiar faces. And as usual my family will be there".
Just last week the ladies were once again crowned as the best side in the area as they retained the County Cup. Abi said “Winning the county cup was a great achievement for us as a team, and defiantly give us a boost; it's a great feeling to win a trophy” Rachel agreed “all footballers want to win cups, we’re always looking to retain the County Cup, and doing so was very pleasing”.
Whitley Bay born Rachel Lee joined Leeds in the summer from Sunderland, a side she made her debut for at the age of 15. Last season she was part of the side that won the National Premier League and League Cup. Work commitments brought her to Yorkshire in the summer.
Rachel would love to get back to that level of football, and with LULFC having applied for the top league there is every chance it could happen. “It would take us to the next level and as a team and a club we are more than capable of playing at the highest level so fingers crossed”!
Abi says playing in the Super League is something she aspires to as well “the opportunity to play in the super league with Leeds is only something I would love to experience”.
This season has gone about as well as Rachel could have hoped. On signing for the club her goals were to challenge for the title, win the County Cup and reach the Premier League final. Her predictions have been good so far and they have the chance to go one step further and win the League Cup. A defensive midfielder by trade, Rachel has surprised some by scoring 11 goals so far this season.
Watford are top of the league, six points clear of Leeds who have two games in hand. Leeds are the only side to beat Watford in the league this season, and having also beaten them in the cup Leeds will be confident of a win on Saturday.
Rachel knows it will be another tough game “They are a strong team, we’ve had two close games with them so far this season. With the games in hand the title is in our hands” But despite me pushing them they both said they were focussing on one game at a time, starting Sunday against Watford.
Both girls have the ability and attitude to go far in the women’s game and both have international experience. Rachel represented Great Britain at the World University Games in China in 2011 and Abi played for England U19s in recent games against Denmark and Wales.
Sunday 21 April – 2pm kick-off
Leeds United Ladies Vs Watford
Premier League National Division
Admission:
£4 Adults
£2 Children/Concessions
£10 Family (2 adults & 2 Children)