Leeds United Women suffer yet more fixture disruption

Laura Bartup, left, scores the only goal in Leeds United Women’s 1-0 victory over Durham Cestria. United have only managed to play six games in the Division One North this season due to changing Covid-19 restrictions. Picture: Steve Riding.

Leeds United Women’s season looks uncertain again as tomorrow’s game against Chorley is the first of many fixtures postponed due to new Covid-19 tier classifications.

The Lancashire side were due to travel to the Whites’ home ground, the Global Stadium in Tadcaster, but the game was called off following the government announcement on Wednesday which moved three quarters of the country into the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions. Chorley are one of seven sides in the 12-team Division One North who are now in tier four.

This week the FA released an update clarifying what their new status means, which stated that “football for adult participants across ‘non-elite’ football in Tier 4 areas is not permitted, including all training and fixtures”.

The changes come less than a month after the second national lockdown was lifted at the start of December, in which time only seven league ties have been played, with the FA Cup and County Cups vying for teams’ attention and snow putting paid to some planned fixtures.

Leeds United Women's head coach Dan O'Hearne
. Picture: Steve Riding. — Leeds United Women's head coach Dan O'Hearne . Picture: Steve Riding.

Next weekend, Dan O’Hearne’s charges hope to host Barnsley at the Global Stadium. The two teams, along with Bradford City, Brighouse Town, and Liverpool Feds, remain in tier three and are able to continue as usual.

Of the 22 games needed to complete the season, Leeds United Women have played six since the season began in September, while other teams have played just three games in as many months.

The FA Women’s National League are yet to provide an update.