Leeds U 12 v Leeds U 11 3rd October 2009
Gusty conditions at St Theresa's saw Leeds U11 "A" play Leeds U12 team, a fixture arranged following one of the visiting Barnsley teams having to pull out due to a flu ridden team. It was a good test for the Under 11 "A" team to see where they may be this time next season. Under 11's won the toss and opted to kick off with the advantage of having the wind at their backs. They were quick off the blocks and pressured deep into the Under 12's half. A long throw on just three minutes from Sam Bellerby found its way into the box where Charlie Simpson stroked the ball across to fellow strike partner Jonny Nyantou, who slotted the ball calmly into the back of the net to open the Under 11's account. That proved a wake up call to the Under 12's who from the whistle pressured the Under 11 backline of Joe Wheeler, Callum Hamilton, Liam Dyer and Harry Shelborn. And it was the Under 12's who were to even things on six minutes; Under 12's Grady Marshall was provider of a lovely cross that fell to the feet of Jacob Archer who fired the ball under the diving body of Under 11 keeper Dan Resendez. A sustained period of pressure continued and led to a further goal for the Under 12's that was adjudged to be from an off-side position. The Leeds midfield of Dan Bambrook, Scott Smith, Josh Copley and Sam Bellerby stood up well in challenges but were unable to push through the Under 12's organised defensive line. A nice passing move by the Under 12's on the twenty minute mark resulted in a lovely lobbed goal from the provider of the Under 12's first. Dan Resendez got a hand to the ball but just could not get enough contact. 2-1 to Under 12's. That was how it was to stay as the first half drew to a close.
Under 12's kicked off the second half. Under 11 subs of Tyler Thompson, Luke Bennett and Sheldon Muzvidziwa had to hit the ground running as Under 12's continued the first half pressure. Under 12's Jamie Tonkinson was to score the third goal drilling the ball past the keeper. Despite the odd foray by the Under 11's, another speculative shot was to test U11 keeper Resendez, who made a good save to deny a fourth. The cross bar denied the Under 12's a spectacular goal when their No 10 volleyed a long ball over the top of Under 11's defence. Shortly after, Kristian Smith sealed a 4-1 win with a hard shot that the keeper could only get a hand to.
A lot of positives were to come from the game; the strong start, the battling spirit of the Under 11's and, for the Under 12's, an assured performance, ably demonstrating their experience of playing together frequently. All in all a valiant effort and much to take away for the Under 11's, and more food for thought for the coaches ahead of the Walsall tour.