Report: Leeds United Women 7-0 Thornaby Women FA Women’s National League Division One North Leeds United Women 7 (Woodruff 26’, 90+2', Knowles OG 30’, 76’, Darcie Greene 41’, Drew Greene 44’, Dixon 47’) Thornaby Women 0 Leeds: Mears (GK), Legge (C), Cassidy, Hughes, Drew Greene (Millard 56’), White, Dixon, Woodruff, Dean (Waldron 80’), Darcie Greene, Langstaff (Smith 74’). Subs not used: Simpson (GK), Oates (GK), Harris. Thornaby: Valentine (GK), Robson (Donaldson 87'), Harland (Little 46’), Dale (Rodgers 46’), Curle, Clark, Baker, Gatens (Nanga 46’), Ferido, Gears (Tierney 70’), Knowles (C). Subs not used: Boni (GK), Knox. Venue: BD Community Stadium | Referee: Martin Flynn | Bookings: N/A Leeds United Women got their 2026/27 FA WNL Division One North campaign off to a flying start as they emphatically defeated Thornaby Women 7-0 on opening day. A brace from Amy Woodruff, goals from Darcie Greene, Drew Greene, Chloe Dixon and a pair of own goals secured an excellent win for the Whites at the BD Community Stadium. Ahead of kick off, the starting line up for the season opener was announced, with new signings Holly Mears and Izzy Dean taking their places in the XI, whilst Ella Harris was named on the bench. The visitors were quick off the mark and pushing for an opener as the ball kindly fell to Faye Dale on the edge of the area, dragging a strike wide of the far post. Leeds were quick to respond as Woodruff latched onto Dixon’s headed flick-on, but the ball got away from her and was received by Elen Valentine in the Thornaby goal. Coming forward again, Drew Greene curled a dangerous ball to the far post where it was attacked by Dixon but the number 11’s half-volley ended on the wrong side of the post.
The Whites eventually found the breakthrough just before the half-an-hour mark via Amy Woodruff, finishing off an excellent move. Darcie Greene initially received the ball on the left flank, tricking past her marker and driving into the centre of the park. The full-back found the run of Drew Greene on the opposite wing, who crossed low into the path of our number 14 to beat the ‘keeper and find the back of the net! Not long later, the hosts found a second through an own goal as Shauna Legge strode down the right and crossed low towards Woodruff, where it hit Jennifer Knowles and found the back of the net! In quickfire fashion on the 40th minute, the Whites scored another two goals to finalise a rampant first half showing. The first of which came through Darcie Greene as she got herself on the scoresheet with a thunderous effort from 30 yards out, wheeling off in celebration after firing into the top corner outrageously from range! Moments after, Alice Hughes took aim from the edge of the area and struck the post, but she was first to the rebound and squared the ball to Drew Greene who tapped into an empty net to make it four, proving the last action of the half! HALF TIME: Leeds United Women 4-0 Thornaby Women It didn’t take long for Leeds to score another after the second half got underway, as after only two minutes, Chloe Dixon had added a fifth as she converted from outside the area following a neat touch and turn away from her marker! The clash then settled with the Whites comfortably in control. The first change for the hosts came in the form of Alayna Millard replacing Drew Greene, and freeing Darcie Greene to advance to right wing. Thornaby were then victim of another cruel own goal as Leeds made it six, a freshly substituted Kath Smith crossing and Knowles once again diverting into her own net on the ball's way to the far post. Another change ensued as Izzy Dean made way for Ruby Waldron on her debut after a solid performance at the heart of the host's defence.
Woodruff, keen on another to add to the tally, was next to try and find the target as she took aim from range but curled high and wide of the top corner. As the tie headed into seven additional minutes, Woodruff did get her brace as she made her way into the box before tricking past and sitting down a defender and the 'keeper, eventually rolling into the back of the net to make it 7-0! And with no more openings, the game fizzled out, handing an important and momentum-building three points for Leeds on the first game of the season. A week from Sunday, Simon Wood’s side head to Chester-le-Street Town Ladies in the league, before a FA WNL Cup group stage opener against Halifax Women on the road the following Thursday. FULL TIME: Leeds United Women 7-0 Thornaby Women