HOWDEN Clough's amazing season since promotion to the North East Women's Regional League continued by reaching the WR Women's Cup final against illustrious and higher league opponents Leeds United Ladies.
Clough were always going to be underdogs as their opponents boasted four England internationals and a Welsh international plus many representative players.
Leeds started the stronger, keeping possession but Clough battled and create chances.
Despite several good saves from goalkeeper Sarah Morton, Leeds took the lead after 25 minutes.
Helen Wagstaff and Kelly Rushforth worked well in midfield, slotting superb passes to strikers Louise Ikin and Emma Rutherford, but the well-marshalled Leeds defence were always a step ahead.
Leeds pressure saw them increase their advantage to lead 3-0 before Clough came out after the break in a more determined mood with Jodie Hunter, Stacey Wood, Leanne Entwhistle-Barstow and Annie Russell defending well.
Leeds then struck twice more before they conceded their first goal of their cup run.
Despite having a goal disallowed for an infringement inside the area, Clough persisted and reward came as Ikin forcing the ball home under the goalkeeper.
Clough changed goalkeepers to give Jenna Cooper valuble experience, and she pulled off several fine saves. Late on Sarah Wood went close before Leeds struck twice to seal victory.
The players would like to thank all at Howden Clough JFC for their support on the night.

Howden Clough Ladies 1
Keighley Ladies 1
Clough knew victory in Tuesday's final North East Regional Women's League game of the season would put them level on points with leaders Sheffield who have a far superior goal difference.
Clough started the better creating several chances and broke the deadlock on 10 minutes when Emma Rutherford broke down the right and crossed for Louise Ikin to head home.
Gemma Howells produced a superb through ball but Sarah Wood's strike was tipped onto a post by the goalkeeper and Rutherford hit the rebound just over.
Clough dominated but failed to capitalise on chances and then, against the run of play, Keighley equalised after a superb run down the right before a shot over the advancing goalkeeper.
The visitors hit a purple patch and only stout defending denied them while in the final minutes Kelly Rushforth saw a shot hit a post.
It has been a great effort from Howden Clough ladies and they can feel proud of their efforts in their first season since winning promotion.