Leeds United FC Women 0-0 Rotherham United Women — Leeds United FC Women and Rotherham United Women played out a competitive goalless draw in the English FA Women’s Cup on Sunday 25 October 2026, a tie shaped by disciplined defending, compact midfield work and two goalkeepers who saved their best for the key moments. With a place in the next stage at stake, neither side found the finishing touch, but the 0-0 scoreline told the story of a cup tie that was far from dull.

Match overview

Leeds enjoyed the greater share of territory in the opening hour, pushing their full-backs high and looking to create overloads on the flanks. Rotherham, however, were well organised from the first whistle, defending in a narrow block and forcing Leeds to play around them rather than through them. The hosts circulated the ball patiently, but clear sights of goal were limited until the latter stages, when the game opened up and both teams had chances to win it.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Leeds worked a short corner into the box, but Rotherham’s goalkeeper reacted well to smother a low drive through a crowd of bodies.
• 38th minute: Rotherham nearly struck against the run of play when a quick counter ended with a shot from the edge of the area that drifted just wide.
• 67th minute: Leeds’ best chance arrived when a cross from the right picked out a forward, whose header was cleared off the line by a retreating defender.
• 84th minute: Rotherham’s goalkeeper produced the save of the match, pushing a curling effort around the post after a patient Leeds build-up.

Tactical story

Leeds set up in a flexible 4-3-3, with the midfield trio looking to recycle possession and release the wide players into space. Rotherham’s 4-5-1 out-of-possession shape was designed to deny central access, and it worked for long spells. The visitors were happy to concede the ball in harmless areas and then spring forward through their wide runners. That contrast — Leeds’ patient probing against Rotherham’s disciplined counter-attacking — gave the tie its rhythm.

Standout players

Leeds midfielder Georgia Whitmore was central to her side’s control, constantly showing for the ball and switching play. Rotherham goalkeeper Megan Clarke was the game’s most influential figure, making a string of assured saves and commanding her box. Centre-back Abbie Shaw also deserved credit for Rotherham, reading danger well and winning several important headers.

What the draw means

The clean sheet will please both managers, even if the lack of a goal leaves the cup tie feeling unfinished. Leeds will point to their possession and late chances, while Rotherham will take confidence from their resilience and organisation. For now, both sides turn their attention back to league commitments with a hard-fought cup draw to build on.