West Lancs Schools FA U15 2 v 2 Leeds Schools FA U15
Saturday 19 September 2009
Another Saturday, another glorious journey across the M62, this time for a 150 mile round trip to face the might of West Lancs based in Ormskirk.
On a large if rather spongey pitch, and in very pleasant conditions, the stage was set for the War of the Roses.
Whilst honours were even at the end of the battle, Leeds left the ground the most disappointed after controlling the game and after conceding the equaliser in the last 5 minutes.
Despite Leeds starting the stronger, they went behind after only 6 minutes when they failed in several attempts to clear a corner, and the ball was pulled back to an unmarked West Lancs player who smashed home from 10 yards.
There was good evidence of Leeds trying to play a passing game and the central defensive partnership of Tom Roberts and captain Nathan Massey looked both solid and creative.
Forwards Max Pritchett-Collins and Lee Nicholson made lung bursting runs to find space, and Leeds dominated both territory and possession.
Mark Simpson went close with a fine low shot which the keeper palmed away, and Ashley Slater almost scored from his own half when a clearance sailed over the keeper playing sweeper, but unfortunately also over the bar.
In an inspired 10 minute spell Michael Brinn converted Leeds dominance into a tangible lead.
Firstly his trickery and sheer pace got him to the right hand corner flag and his first time cross was bravely forced home by Lee Nicholson.
Leeds gained confidence from their equaliser and Michael made it two when his bursting run to the edge of the box was followed with a sweetly srtuck left foot shot low into the corner of the net.
2-1 to Leeds at half time and well deserved.
The second half followed much the same pattern, and there were not too many goalmouth incidents to report. However, Leeds always looked in control, and there was plenty of nice passing and movement-especially down the right hand side.
The closest thing to a goal was a 20 yard free kick from Mark Simpson which forced a full length diving save from the West Lancs keeper.
As full time approached and as West Lancs became more desperate, Leeds lost something of their shape. Nevertheless, it was disappointing to concede-especially in the manner of the goal.
A hopeful punt forward saw three Leeds players go for the same ball and the resultant flick-on left the West Lancs forward one on one with Ashley Battensby who was unable to come to Leeds rescue.
There was time enough for Leeds to have sneaked a late winner, but Max P-C's unselfish cross produced less than his selfish shot probably would have