Page 14 - Womens Soccer Scene Issue No.5 2022-23

Leeds United have got off to a good start in FAWNL
Division One North and their 5-0 victory over Chorley on
Sunday took them to the top of the table for the first time
this season.
We talked to Leeds full back Olivia Smart, who is one
of the team’s longest serving players. Whilst pleased with
the team’s display against Chorley and their progression
so far, she insisted that they are only concentrating on the
next match and not looking too far ahead:
WSS: A 5-0 victory on Sunday against opponents
who are normally tough opponents, how good
was the team's performance on the day?
OS: We played well and we’re starting to gel, so it felt
good to play our style of football.
WSS: You had the chance to go top of the table
with a win, was that an extra incentive going
into the game?
IS: We don’t really think about the league, we take each week as it comes and forget the noise
around us. That’s when we over complicate our game, so we just focus on ourselves.
WSS: You have no game this Sunday but return to action in midweek at York
City, will your recent League Cup result there have any bearing on the match?
OS: No, I think it will be a totally different game. A big pitch suits us and we know what were
our faults and what we got wrong in that game. York are a well prepared side so we won’t
under estimate them.
WSS: How big a difference has Rick Passmoor made since he returned to the
club, and what has it been like to have the likes of Sophie Bradley-Auckland
playing for you?
OS: Rick is great, he obviously has a wealth of experience and his CV shows his success. His
knowledge of the game is excellent and his management of players is great. He’s excellent
for the club and where it wants to take the women’s team.
WSS: It's early days of course, but is there a real sense of optimism that this can
be your year?
OS: Like I’ve said previously, take each game as it comes, there are clubs in this league that
are hard to beat, so taking it week by week is the only outlook we have.
WSS: Wwho can you see being the main challengers for the title in your
division?
OS: Newcastle are obviously up there and did so well last year, narrowly missing out on
promotion, but in this league anyone can be beaten. After Christmas, it will give us a
realistic view of the league and then we can take our opposition from there.
WSS: Leeds United have been a big name in the women's game in the past, how
important do you think it is that they can return amongst the top sides in future
years?
OS: Leeds United is a massive club and the women’s team was successful before women’s
football really gained momentum like in recent times, so the club’s history always helps, but
the changes the game has made recently mean the football has changed. Leeds United I have
no doubt will be back in the top flight of women’s football in the near future!
Our thanks to Olivia! Photo courtesy of Leeds United FC
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk