Leeds were without captain Nat Preston through injury, so Karen Burke was handed the armband and she was influential in the middle of the park. Burke was a constant menace throughout the game setting up both goals.
United were unlucky not to take the lead within the first ten minutes. The Liverpool keeper Nicky Davies had to be at her best to keep out a shot from Nicole Emmanuel. Her shot was creeping in from under the crossbar until Davies tipped it onto the bar. Then Karen Walker, looking for her 12th semi- final victory, was inches away from giving Leeds the lead from a Burke corner with a header.
Liverpool did put pressure onto the Leeds defence with top scorer Jade Thomas showing a close touch and a good eye for a pass. However, she could not do anything on the 23rd minute when Smith went past the defender with ease and beat Davies at the near post with a fierce left foot shot.
Leeds were dominating the game and could have doubled their lead with strong runs by Jess Clarke and Smith setting up Burke and Emmanuel who unfortunately could not finish.
Leeds did have a scare just before the half- time when Liverpool captain and former United player Gayle Formston could only head on top of the net from a corner.
Leeds dominated the earlier exchanges of the 2nd half with Smith twice being played in by the tireless Burke and making Davies work. Walker was unlucky with an audacious flick from a Burke header which went narrowly wide of the far post.
Alex Culvin was then lucky to stay on the field after a two footed lunge on Liverpool star player Thomas who was left injured and crying in the pain. Thomas was to man mark Culvin for the rest of the game and the full back had to be careful for the final 30 minutes.
Smith scored her second on the hour after excellent one touch passing set her up. Burke and Walker created the pass for Smith who skilfully went past the defender and slotted it past the advancing Davies. The goal gave Leeds a much needed confidence boost and was a major dent in Liverpool's chances.
The Merseysider's changed their formation to try and get a goal back, brining on Danielle Sheen to partner Thomas and Foster. With Liverpool short at the back Leeds had a great chance to further add to their lead. Smith could not connect from a Burke free kick for her hat-trick while Walker just did not have the pace to get passed the last defender.
Emmanuel was unlucky again after a superb 30-yard shot went over the bar. Leeds held on with some solid defending from Ward, Heigh, Cook and Culvin.
The midfield battle won the game for Leeds with Burke putting in a player-of-the-match performance with a tireless display and Clarke and Smith chipping in also.
Leeds thoroughly deserved their victory against a hard working Liverpool side and will now meet Arsenal in the final at the New Den, Millwall on May 1st and Leeds will think they have a great chance to win after a solid semi-final display.