Simon Wood: We found a way of winning | OneFootball

A place in the first round proper of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup awaits Leeds United after they came through a penalty shootout to beat Norton & Stockton Ancients away from home.

After normal time ended goalless, Ellie White fired in the winning spot kick following a crucial save made by Carrie Simpson, leaving boss Simon Wood relieved the team advanced in what were tough conditions in the North East.

“The wind was blowing one way in the first half and then obviously we got the advantage in the second half,” the manager told LUTV.

“We said to the players at the end, we had to find a way of winning today and if that was penalties, it would be penalties.

“So, really pleased the players stood up five out of five. We had it last season. We know we have got really good players that in those situations can handle big moments and they came through.

“Carrie saved one, so we found a way of getting through without it being our best performance that we have seen this season. We found a way of winning and got through to the next round.

“I think we created more chances towards the end of the game and then there was a little break in the game with a stoppage and Norton had their opportunities probably to win the game, too.

“Both teams will be feeling a little bit that they could have had opportunities in the 90 but when it went to penalties, with having Carrie in the sticks, we know that she has got that good record and she saves the one and then Ellie tucks it away.

“I think there are a few players we spoke to at the end there that are disappointed a little bit with the performance today and we have got to really use that as a tool for next week when we go into league action against Huddersfield.

“Let’s look at what wasn’t right today. Let’s look if it was just the conditions. Let’s look at the certain things that we weren’t doing right within the game and let’s correct it in training going into a massive game in the league next week.”