By Tony Leighton

Almost 3,000 fans watched Leeds beat 2008 winners Everton at Spotland

England Under-23 striker Ellen White scored twice as Leeds Carnegie beat favourites Everton 3-1 to win the Women's Premier League Cup final.

Midfielder Katie Holtham drilled in the opener from 20 yards and White added a second from Carla Cantrell's corner.

Everton skipper Fara Williams pulled a goal back after the break but White made sure of victory with a low drive.

The title win could be Leeds' first and last following their decision not to apply to play in the new Super League.

Leeds Metropolitan University, who took over the running of the club two years ago, cited financial reasons for not signing up to the Football Association's new league, which kicks off in 2011.

The decision could possibly lead to the eventual folding of the club, which features seven England internationals.

606: DEBATE Have your say on Leeds victory

Leeds had lost three cup finals in the last four seasons but fully deserved to lift the first major trophy in the club's 20-year history.

Manager Rick Passmoor said: "The joy in the players' faces at the final whistle said it all - they'd got what they have worked so hard for.

"We deserved the win for our first-half performance alone. It was backs to the wall at times in the second half, but we defended solidly then got a great goal to finish it."

Disappointed Everton boss Mo Marley said: "The girls couldn't cope with being favourites and this was an absolute reality check.

"I told them at half-time their performance wasn't good enough for this club. We were better in the second-half, but the players just weren't smart or wise enough."

Leeds could have been out of sight by half-time if they had made the most of their goalscoring opportunities.

White headed wide from a great position after just nine minutes, but six minutes later midfielder Holtham drilled in the opener.

White then doubled the lead, forcing the ball home after goalkeeper Rachel Brown had failed to hold a Cantrell corner.

Striker Cantrell and central defender Sophie Bradley both missed good chances as Leeds continued to dominate.

Midfielder Jade Moore was unlucky with a 20-yard drive that flew just over the bar, but by the interval Leeds were well in control.

That changed four minutes after the break, however, Everton captain Williams scoring from 18 yards after being sent clear by striker Natasha Dowie.

Everton then pressed for an equaliser and Williams went close in the 67th minute, chipping just wide of the far post.

But White made sure of victory five minutes from time, driving in a low 15-yard shot after collecting Cantrell's through-ball.

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