Key Points
- Leeds United Women face Chorley Women at the Jim Fowler Memorial Ground in Euxton, Chorley, on Thursday evening in a rescheduled FA Women’s National League Division One North match, kicking off at 8pm.
- The clash offers Simon Wood’s Leeds side a chance to leapfrog league-leaders Wythenshawe Women, with only two points separating the teams.
- Leeds enter on the back of a gritty 3-2 away win at Norton and Stockton Ancients, with goals from Izzy Elliott (44′), Kath Smith (penalty, 55′), and an own goal by Elen Valentine (88′).
- Chorley Women recently suffered a 2-0 defeat to Stockport County Ladies and ended 2025 with a home loss to Wythenshawe Women.
- The teams drew 1-1 on the opening day of the 2025/26 season at Garforth’s Bannister Prentice Stadium, where Macy Ellis scored for Leeds before Chorley equalised.
- Tickets for the match are priced at £6 for adults, £4 for concessions, and free for under-13s, with hot food and drinks available at the clubhouse.
- Leeds midfielder Ellie White expressed excitement, stating the camp is “buzzing” for the midweek fixture under the lights after a slow start to 2026.
- Norton and Stockton goals came from Bianca Owens (70′) and Milly Cairns (75′), in a muddy encounter refereed by Ali Rahjoo.
- The venue is Euxton Villa’s Jim Fowler Memorial Ground, Runshaw Hall Lane, Euxton, Chorley, PR7 6HQ.
Euxton, Chorley (Leeds United News) January 14, 2026 – Leeds United Women return to FA Women’s National League Division One North action this Thursday evening, travelling to face Chorley Women at the Jim Fowler Memorial Ground in a crucial rescheduled league encounter. Simon Wood’s Whites aim to capitalise on their recent form to challenge the top of the table, just two points adrift of leaders Wythenshawe Women. Kick-off is set for 8pm, providing an early opportunity to start 2026 strongly in the competitive northern division.
What Makes This Match Pivotal for Leeds United Women?
The fixture represents more than three points for Leeds, who sit closely behind Wythenshawe Women in the standings. As detailed in the official Leeds United preview, the rescheduled clash offers “an opportunity for Simon Wood’s side to leapfrog league-leaders Wythenshawe Women to top the table, with only two points separating the side”. Recent league tables confirm the tight race at the summit, with Huddersfield Town Ladies FC and Wythenshawe LFC both on 25 points from around 11-12 matches, underscoring the stakes.
Leeds’ momentum stems from their hard-fought victory over Norton and Stockton Ancients. As reported in the full match account by Leeds United staff, the Whites triumphed 3-2 on a “soaked and muddy afternoon” at Norton Sports Complex. Izzy Elliot poked home the opener from a Chloe Dixon corner in the 44th minute, followed by Kath Smith’s confident penalty in the 55th after Ellie White was fouled. Despite Norton captain Bianca Owens pulling one back in the 70th and substitute Milly Cairns equalising from 30 yards in the 75th, a late own goal by keeper Elen Valentine off another Dixon corner in the 88th secured the points. Goalkeeper Carrie Simpson’s late save on Louise Atkinson preserved the lead.
Simon Wood named an unchanged starting XI from their prior 3-0 win over Stockport County, featuring skipper Shauna Legge, Emily Cassidy, and debutants like Alayna Millard who made key interventions.
How Have Chorley Women Performed Recently?
Chorley Women head into the game on a dip, having fallen to a 2-0 loss at Stockport County Ladies, as noted across multiple previews. This followed rounding off 2025 with a home defeat to Wythenshawe, contributing to their mid-table position. Soccerpunter statistics place Chorley 6th with 4 wins, 5 draws, and 2 losses from 11 matches, showing average form at 33% win rate.
Sofascore reports confirm the Stockport defeat on January 4, 2026, at 14:00 UTC, where Chorley ranked 9th post-match while Stockport sat 8th. Earlier, they hosted Wythenshawe on December 7, 2025, ending in loss as per league updates. No specific goalscorers or detailed reports emerged from searches, but their defensive vulnerabilities mirror Leeds’ recent opponents.
Chorley’s home form remains average, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, setting a challenging backdrop at Jim Fowler Memorial Ground.
What Happened in Their Previous Encounter?
The sides first met on the 2025/26 opening day at a “packed out” Bannister Prentice Stadium in Garforth, ending 1-1. Leeds United’s report details Macy Ellis opening the scoring for the Whites, only for Chorley to equalise soon after, with the game “fizzling out”.
Simon Wood handed debuts to Katie Mortimer, Alayna Millard, and Chloe Dixon, plus a return for Rebekah Bass after nearly three years. Leeds dominated early, with Amy Woodruff nearly dispossessing Ellie Cook and Shauna Legge blocking a header from Cook on the line. Second-half chances included Alice Hughes striking wide and Chorley’s Worthington and Hamer efforts denied. Sian Gibrill-Keating was sent off late, refereed by Matthew Coles.
This draw set a tone of competitiveness, with Footystats noting it as part of Leeds’ strong away form.
Who Are the Key Players to Watch?
For Leeds, Izzy Elliott’s defensive cover and goal-scoring poke stand out, alongside Kath Smith’s penalty composure and Chloe Dixon’s set-piece delivery creating chaos. Ellie White’s marauding runs, including winning the penalty, and her post-match comments highlight her influence:
“We’re all really excited for the game on Thursday. It’s been a very slow start to 2026, so I think everyone’s buzzing”.
Simon Wood praised the group’s togetherness after Norton, nominated for manager of the month.
Chorley’s Bianca Owens, Norton’s captain in the recent game but noted in context, exemplifies threats, though specific Chorley stars like Macy Ellis from the draw remain focal. Ellie Cook and Molly Wood featured prominently in the opener.
Where and How Can Fans Attend or Follow?
The match unfolds at Euxton Villa’s Jim Fowler Memorial Ground, Runshaw Hall Lane, Euxton, Chorley, PR7 6HQ. Supporter information from Leeds United specifies £6 adult tickets, £4 concessions, free under-13s, plus clubhouse refreshments.
Non-attendees can follow via LeedsUnited.com’s match centre for live updates, with post-match reports, reactions, and highlights on social media, particularly @LUFCWomen on X . OneFootball echoes the preview for global access.
What Is the Broader Context of the League?
The FA Women’s National League Division One North remains fiercely contested, with Huddersfield Town leading on 25 points from 11 games (+23 GD), Wythenshawe close behind. Leeds’ win propelled them top temporarily, per reports, aligning with Footystats placing them 3rd at 70% win rate. Chorley’s 6th spot reflects balance.
Simon Wood’s side showed resilience post-FA Cup exits, as in their 3-1 derby win over Huddersfield where he noted: “You saw how hard we were willing to work”. This preview builds anticipation for a defining midweek battle under the lights .
