Leeds City Boys "B" v Sheffield

 

There were echoes of earlier less than convincing performances in this loss for Leeds. Despite dominating possession and chances, the team was let down by some unforced errors at the back and a failure to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal.

 

The game started well. Our neighbours from South Yorkshire were unable to cope with the power of the more experienced Leeds team. Turnbull whipped in a well flighted free kick which was knocked down for Smith who steered the ball neatly in to the net to open his account.

 

The task seemed straight forward and Leeds expected to increase their advantage. However, a poor clearance moments, later gave the home team a scarcely deserved equaliser.

 

Leeds bounced back and pressed forward to try to regain their lead to reflect their dominant position in the match. Firth and O'Donoughue worked tirelessly in midfield. The good work was undone again though by a failure, despite a number of attempts, to clear a routine free kick in to the Leeds box. The Sheffield striker was the grateful beneficiary.

 

Shocked at finding themselves behind, Leeds peppered the Sheffield goal. The quality of the football from the Leeds team was at times very high, but efforts from Slinger, Smith, Bailey and Dickinson all failed to register.

 

Half time 1 - 2

 

Leeds raised their game after the break, no doubt after some hard talking from Mr Smith. Again they dominated possession without managing to make their superiority really count.

 

When the equaliser came for Leeds, it was well-worked. Bailey beat his marker on the left, took the ball to the byline and crossed into the path of Townsend who scrambled home. Bailey had the chance to wrap up the game but could not find the net after a well-worked series of passes.

 

The game was cruelly snatched away from Leeds with just seconds to go by a stunning overhead kick of tremendous quality from Sheffield. McKenna in the Leeds goal had barely touched the ball since he came on to the pitch at half-time, but found himself collecting the ball from the net.

 

This was a hard lesson for Leeds, but ultimately showed that they need to take the chances they create. Leeds can take their revenge later in the season!

 

Full time 2 - 3