Leeds Schools SFA U11 'B' 1 Derby SFA U11 1 14th November 2009
A delayed kick-off saw Leeds kick off the first of two 25-minute halves. Leeds in their yellow kit versus Derby in white. Two proud footballing cities and the spirits of Revie and Clough to do battle once more. The back line of Robert Flynn, Brandon Kavanagh, Aaron Wilcock, and sweeper Jake Croft were soon under pressure and dealt with everything Derby could throw at them. Dan Resendez started in Leeds' goal.
Leeds' attempts on Derby's goal were few and far between despite a lively performance in the centre of the park by midfield of Aidan Rodgers, Liam Dyer and Sam Armstrong. Derby were to offer Leeds chances to win the ball from clearances from the goal mouth from both kicks and throws, but Leeds were unable to get at goal as Derby threw bodies in the way. Leeds keeper Resendez was tested only once and came out to clear the ball calmly. Half - time whistle sounded with Leeds shading it in terms of possession and chances, but with 0 - 0 the score.
Second half saw substitutions of Callum Hamilton and Alex Barrett in defence, Luke Bennett in midfield and Ollie Armitage up front. Declan Conlon was to take over in nets for Leeds. Second half saw more positive attacking play from Leeds from the whistle.
Leadsford after a searching run from the half way line was brought down just inside the penalty area but the referee waved play on. Leadsford was to also have an effort come off the post and ricochet across an open goal, but no one was on hand to convert the rebound and Derby's keeper safely smothered the ball.
In the middle of the park, a Derby counter attack was snuffed out on the second attempt by Hamilton who passed the ball deftly to Dyer, who in turn threaded a lovely ball through to Leadsford on the edge of the goal area. Leadsford skilfully turned his marker and fired home under the Derby stoppers diving body. 1 - 0 Leeds.
Bennett and Dyer were to provide some good crossing balls, but all were safely intercepted by Derby. Despite Leeds pressure, it was the visitors who five minutes later, were to get the equaliser, that came from a free kick decision for Derby on the half way mark. Derby won the ball in the air and a glancing onward header was not promptly dealt with and the goalmouth scramble that ensued saw the ball fired into the roof of the Leeds goal despite a brave attempt by Conlon to save the ball.
A late flurry by Derby and a few nervous moments saw a top drawer save from Conlon deny Derby a late winner. The final whistle sounded, bringing to a close a good contest with closely matched teams and with honours even, 1 - 1.
Maybe the extra 10 minutes would have bought a Leeds winner; we'll never know. Leeds' performance showed flashes of flair and confidence and what the team are capable of. With more confidence from individual players and the team collectively and the way with all to bury chances, the results will come if the team carry on playing in the manner they did.
Coach Mr Tonge reflecting on the game afterwards said the boys did what they were asked to do and it was an enjoyable match to watch that on balance Leeds should have won. Derby put the ball forward well and Leeds performed confidently.