Simon Wood: ‘I think a point is probably a fair result’ as Leeds United Women draw with AFC Fylde

Leeds United Women manager Simon Wood believes his side deserved a share of the spoils after the Whites were held to a goalless draw by AFC Fylde Women in the FA Women's National League Division One North.

The two promotion contenders met at Kellamergh Park on Sunday afternoon, with Leeds producing an improved second-half performance after a challenging opening period in which the hosts created several opportunities.

Neither side could find a breakthrough across the 90 minutes, although the Whites came close on multiple occasions after the interval, with substitute Ava Spencer-Smith seeing an effort cleared off the line as Simon Wood's side searched for a late winner.

Speaking to LUTV after the final whistle, Wood acknowledged the difficulty of the assignment and felt the balance of play across the two halves ultimately justified the result.

“Coming here today, we were aware that this was probably going to be our toughest test of the season, and it played out,” the Leeds manager explained.

“In the first half, we offered a few chances up to them, but I thought it was positive how we dealt with those situations.”

Fylde threatened during the opening 45 minutes, with Kenzie Bentley and Lauryn Wood both causing problems for the Leeds defence.

However, goalkeeper Holly Mears and the defenders in front of her helped ensure the visitors remained level heading into the interval.

Wood revealed that a constructive half-time discussion allowed Leeds to make adjustments and approach the second period with greater attacking intent.

“We had a little bit of a regroup at half-time. The players, as always, came up with some great suggestions, and from those positive conversations, we changed the shape a little bit in the second half. We got on the front foot and forced them back a little bit,” he said.

The changes proved effective, with Leeds enjoying extended spells in possession and applying sustained pressure to the Fylde back line. The visitors created several opportunities, but the hosts remained organised and ultimately preserved their clean sheet.

“Due to them being on top in the first half and us being on top in the second half, I think a point is probably a fair result,” Wood added.

Despite the frustration of not converting their second-half dominance into three points, the Leeds head coach was pleased with the performance and the continued progress his side are making defensively.

“I'm just really proud of the players. We've set targets throughout this season, and clean sheets are one of them. Unbeaten is another one, and we've ticked those off against very good opposition.”

The draw extended Leeds' unbeaten start to the campaign, although it represented their first dropped points of the season.

Maintaining that defensive solidity will be important as they continue their push in the division.

Attention now turns to the Women's FA Cup, with Leeds preparing to welcome Rotherham United Women next weekend.

Wood highlighted the importance of squad rotation in cup competitions, explaining that opportunities for different players have helped ensure the entire group is prepared to contribute when called upon.

“The cups have allowed us to rotate the squad a little bit and make sure everyone, including those on the bench, are ready to come on and fight,” he said.

The manager also recognised the challenge posed by Rotherham, who are enjoying an impressive campaign and pushing for promotion in their own division.

“Rotherham are doing amazing work in their league, pushing for promotion, so there's all the elements of a great cup tie.”

Leeds will use the week to prepare for the visitors' strengths while focusing on their own approach, with Wood making clear that his side will be targeting victory.

“We'll respect the threats they have, work hard in training this week and make sure we set the tempo right, because we want to go and win a game of football for this football club.”

With their unbeaten run intact and another clean sheet secured, Leeds will now look to carry their defensive resilience into the cup tie as they aim to progress against a confident Rotherham side.