REDCAR & CLEVELAND 1  v  3 LEEDS - [West Yorks Cup]

The journey up to Saltburn was one of travelling into the unknown as the fog descended in great quantities, only to emerge into bright sunlight as we approached the coast. Perhaps it was the outpourings from the variety of chemical works which abound the area- no wonder they're called the 'Smoggies'! Anyway on an excellent surface it was Cleveland who were first out of the blocks and they pressurized the Leeds midfield into hurried passes. Leeds continued to play it short , despite being told repeatedly to play a longer game and they were 'bullied' off the ball by their hungry opponents. A free kick from Cleveland bounced off the bar before Nyantou burst through on goal but a brave dive at his feet by the Cleveland keeper smothered the ball. Aaron Wilcock at the back replacing Tom Godden was in imperious form and abetted by McKenzie Haigh and  the industrious Sam Bellerby Cleveland didn't pose much of a threat in the area. Then Cleveland were awarded an extremely dubious goal from a free kick which was headed home by one of three players standing 5 yards offside. It has to be said Cleveland deserved their lead at half time but not in the way they got it. Reorganised and re-energised after the break the Leeds team began to show their mettle and with Jack McGahan foraging down the left ably supported by Callum Elson who was a hive of industry threat after threat bore down on the Cleveland goal and eventually there had to be a goal. It came 10 minutes into the half when a McGahan  corner was powered home by a towering header from Nyantou for a well deserved goal. Sam Vasey was totally in charge in central midfield and he was brushing defenders off with ease and he drove a sublime pass across the area for McGahan to slide in at the far post, Sheldon Muzvidiwa's pace tore Cleveland apart and as he bore down on goal clear of the defence he was crudely tripped from behind, and in adult football it would have been a red card, but it would be harsh to do that to a 10 year old boy. Cleveland kept their heads and never gave in but rarely troubled Scott Graham in the Leeds goal and full credit to them for that but there was no way they could withstand the Leeds pressure for much longer. Another McGahan shot crossed the line but no goal was given and in the following melee the belligerent Vasey smashed home. After losing captain Tyler Thompson to injury Tom Schofield Dan Bambrook and Joe Wheeler were re-introduced to give fresh impetus and though much pressure ensued there were no more additions to the scoresheet. Special mention must be given to Scott Smith who filled three different roles and was outstanding in each one to help him to one of his best performances of the season. Leeds march into the quarter final away to Sheffield or Scarborough after Xmas. Well done boys for a magnificent second half performance[we'll forget the first half-eh?]