Leeds 2 v 0 Hull
After a night of heavy rain it was no surprise to hear that Carnegie had called the game off on the splendid University pitch. A early call to Hull enabled them to switch travel plans and transfer the game to St.Theresa's. This first Carnegie Premiership League game deserved to have been played on a better surface than greeted the players for this game as the grass was too long and was going to make good passing football difficult to achieve! Leeds City Council have much to be ashamed of, for although the school requested repeatedly for the grass to be cut they didn't bother to do so thus endangering both sets of players and at this level the players, coaches and spectators have a right to expect a better deal, but no blame should be directed towards the school as they are at the beck and call of the Parks Department.
As regards the game Leeds were fired up for the game and looking to build on last weeks comprehensive win over Bradford. The excellent Callum Elson relished the occasion and alongside the tigerish tackling of Tyler Thompson and industry of Scott Smith they gave Hull no time to settle. Hull played the long ball well but Tom Godden was majestic at the back and both he and his central partner Harry Shelborn denied Hull sight of goal. Shelborn Muzvidiwa was causing havoc with his strong running in his lone striker role and he latched onto a pass from Elson to outpace the Hull defence and prod the ball past the keeper for a well deserved opening goal. The Leeds full backs were getting forward and putting the ball into dangerous areas and all in all although the second goal wasn't forthcoming the signs looked good for the second half. Jack McGahan and Sam Vasey joined the fray to supply some strength in terms of delivery of the ball and McKenzie Haigh and Dan Bambrook looked to get the ball down and develop the passing game following their introduction. The second half should have produced more Leeds goals with winger Tom Schofield going close twice and Sam Bellery peppering the area with fine cross-shots. Vasey's power and strength was a dominant force and it was his free kick after Thompson had been felled which was gleefully hammered home by Godden. Scott Graham in goal had to show sharp reactions to recover after he spilled the ball from a Hull strike. It was not going to be Hull's day and although they went close a couple of times, Joe Wheeler and Haigh were in determined mood and mopped up any loose balls. In summary this was an excellent performance from a hungry Leeds side. They enjoyed the victory and if they continue to play with this style and verve more victories will follow. Upwards and onwards for York now who lost 5-1 to Liverpool today. Let's hope the York Council take more care of the City's footballers than their Leeds counterparts and get the grass cut!