Plenty of positives in defeat for Watford Ladies

Salomon’s side have taken six points from a possible nine in the league and have continued to build on the momentum gained from the end of the last campaign.

Despite suffering defeat, Salomon believes the performance was an indication of how far the team had come.

He said “It is always disappointing to lose, but to go into a game against last season’s runners-up believing we could win, and to come away feeling disappointed after such a close game just highlights how far this club has come in such a short space of time.”

Leeds got off to the best possible start as they went ahead in the opening two minutes. Danielle Sheen was the provider as she found Carey Huegett, who made no mistake and slotted the ball past Lauren Davey.

Watford spent much of the early stages on the back foot but came close to levelling when Sarah Wiltshire let fly, only for her effort to crash back off the woodwork.

Emma Lipman dragged a shot wide for Leeds as the Hornets started to get a foothold on the match and it wasn’t long before they levelled the scores.

Emma Beckett played a delightful pass over the top to Jo Wilson, who drilled the ball past Jules Draycott to net her second goal of the season.

In the second period, Heugett produced a bit of quality that unlocked the Watford defence.

A neat flick by the striker set her side up and, as the cross came into the box, Heugett was there to finish and give the visitors the lead.

Watford went in search of a second equaliser but were left frustrated as the stubborn Leeds defence held out.

Salomon reflected: “We hit the bar and had the better chances second half, so on another day one of those chances is converted and we come away with something from the game.

“Six points from a possible nine is a great start to the campaign. We will learn lessons quickly and keep getting better.”