19 March 2006
VIDEO: Semi-final, Leeds 2-0 Liverpool

Leeds United booked their place in The FA Women's Cup Final following a 2-0 win over Liverpool. Watch the highlights here.

Leeds United 2-0 Liverpool
The FA Women's Cup in partnership with Nationwide
Semi-Finals
Sunday 19 March 2006

England international Sue Smith scored twice to guide Leeds United through to the final of the FA Cup Final after a hard working 2-0 win against Liverpool.

Leeds, overwhelming favourites to seal a passage through to the final, scored a goal in each half in front of a vocal 1,050 crowd.

Leeds, missing captain Nat Preston through injury, were led by the influential Karen Burke who set up both goals for Smith.

Premier League Leeds were unlucky not to have taken the lead within the first ten minutes. Liverpool goalkeeper Nicky Davies had to be at her best to keep out a shot from Nicole Emmanuel, tipping it onto the bar.

Kaz Walker, looking for her 12th semi final victory, was inches away from giving Leeds the lead from a Burke corner with a header.

Liverpool put pressure on the Leeds defence with top scorer Jade Thomas showing a good touch and eye for a pass.

But it was Leeds who took the lead in the 23rd minute when Smith ghosted past a defender and beat the keeper at the near post with a fierce left foot shot.

Leeds were dominating and could have doubled their lead after strong runs by Jess Clarke and Smith set up Burke and Emmanuel who failed to finish.

Leeds did have a scare just before the half-time whistle when Liverpool captain and former Leeds player Gayle Formston headed on top of the net from a corner.

Leeds dominated the early exchanges of the second half with Smith twice being played in by the tireless Burke and forcing Davies to save.

Walker was then unlucky with an audacious flick from Burke’s header which went narrowly wide of the far post.

Smith scored her second on the hour after excellent one touch passing set her up. Burke and Walker created the pass for Smith who skilfully went past the defender and slotted past the advancing Davies.

The Merseysiders changed their formation to try and get a goal back, bringing on Danielle Sheen to partner Thomas and Foster.

With Liverpool short at the back Leeds had a great chance to further add to their lead. Smith couldn’t connect with Burke’s free-kick for her hat-trick while Walker just didn’t have the pace to get past the last defender.

Emmanuel was unlucky again after a superb 30 yard shot went over the bar.

United will meet either Arsenal at the New Den on the 1 May.