Simon Wood: It was a 'Leeds United' performance | OneFootball

Leeds United Women began to open a gap at the top of the FA WNL Division One North table, collecting another three points thanks to a 4-2 victory over Stockport County Women.

Braces from Chloe Dixon and Amy Woodruff ensured the visitors' attempt at a comeback wasn't to be, with Simon Wood complimentary of the performance.

"What a game of football!" the boss began. "I think there were two really good sides that took to the field today.

"It was a bit of an end-to-end game, but we expected that a little bit, so to come out the other side of it, I think just shows how hard our players were willing to work.

"As I said at the end there, since I've been here, that's the most what I'd call 'Leeds United' performance, where players are sprinting 50 yards to go close down a player.

"People are winning tackles, running for each other. And I think the effort and work rate runs that game and the bits of quality that came after we matched Stockport's effort, that was the cherry on the top of it.

"It's positive, but the next biggest game we've got is next Sunday, and this is what we're looking at each week."

Midfielder Monique Watson was named in the starting XI for the first time since October 2025 pre-match after returning from injury, a welcome return for Wood.

"It's amazing. To have a player of Mon's quality to be able to come in, but I think massive credit to her work because she wasn't with us last week, she was with the U21s to get minutes in preparation to be in the best shape she could be when she was called upon.

"It shows you the character of the player. That first 20 minutes that we were really on it, you saw Mon's levels within that.

"I think what you saw from her is the player she is, and what we're really excited about is the hard work she has put in since her injury. I think we're going to get an even better player than we had all those months ago when she picked up the injury.

"The plan is to enjoy tonight, wake up with sore legs and be ready to go again," the boss finalised, commenting on the Bradford City Women clash next up.

"We know what a West Yorkshire derby brings. We know the threats that Bradford have got, but we've also got to focus on the things that we're doing well at the minute and we've got to grow these things.

"We'll look forward to it and we've got a game of football next Sunday that's going to be competitive and it's going to be hard work, so the players are going to that ready, and look forward to it as well."