A fortnight after learning the club’s Super League bid had been withdrawn, possibly leading to the team folding at the end of the season, the squad is still shell-shocked.


But, says England winger Sue Smith, the devastating news has had a galvanising affect ahead of the Cup final at Rochdale’s Spotland.


“When we heard the Super League news we were absolutely distraught,” said Smith, “but we quickly decided to stick together and go out with a bang.


“We’ve been in three Cup finals in the last four seasons and lost them all – but we are more determined than ever this time and we’ve got absolute belief that we can win.”


Leeds lost all three of their previous finals to Arsenal, but the holders were knocked out by Everton in this season’s semi-final.


And in striker Natasha Dowie the 2008 League Cup winners have the competition’s most potent attacker and potential match-winner.     


Dowie has scored in every round to date and will be looking to increase her seven-goal League Cup tally on Thursday evening.


“I’m really enjoying this season,” said Dowie. “I’m scoring on a consistent basis and getting another goal in the final would complete a great run for me.


“But winning the game is the most important thing whoever scores the goals, and as long as we end up with the Cup I’ll be happy.”


Dowie was among the scorers as Everton warmed up for the final with a 7-0 trouncing of Portsmouth in Sunday’s FA Cup fifth round.


Leeds were meanwhile going down to Arsenal – again – but it was a narrow 3-2 defeat and Smith said: “We can take real positives from our performance.


“We really pushed Arsenal and although we’ve got total respect for a great Everton team, we are ready for this - we feel our time has come to win a Cup final.”


Dowie is equally sure of victory. “Leeds are a very good side,” said the striker, “but we are playing really well at the moment and we’re confident of winning.”