Burnley 4 v 3 Leeds

Leeds Under 11's ventured into unknown territory last Saturday with a fixture against Burnley at their excellent Gawthorpe Hall facility. Conditions bordered on the heavy side as the strong North Westerly winds brought in a deluge of rain but this did not faze the Leeds team who seemed at home in the surroundings. Burnley had requested a switch to 8-a-side for this fixture and although the boys are now playing 11 a side they reverted back to the small sided game for this game.

Leeds began the match on the front foot and pressed hard for the opening goal with George Hamnett going close twice with excellent strikes before bringing a terrific save from the Burnley keeper with a shot arrowing into the top corner before it was turned over the bar. Leeds continued to play with a sense of purpose but were undone by a quick counter attack from Burnley who opened the scoring with a smart finish. Leeds upped their efforts and with Daniel Crook in dynamic form in goal the team looked solid. A Jordan Emery strike hit the bar and the rebound was put in by Ross Dickinson. Leeds then took the lead when a Jack Waters shot was parried and Scott Townend forced the ball home. 2-1 Game on!

Burnley were stung into action by this and with Crook, Daniel Sefton and Oscar Turnbull in imperious form it looked like the match was going Leeds way . The Burnley boys passing and movement was a delight to witness and two quick strikes put the game in their hands.

Joe Firth joined the fray and his hard work rate helped to put Leeds back into the game.Ross Kershaw hit the bar from distance and then just failed to finish from point blank range. Just when all seemed lost a Michael O'Donaghue throw was controlled by  Townend who fired in a shot from 20 yards which the alert Jack Carr flicked on with his head into the top corner. An exciting last few minutes were in store but the quality of the Burnley team proved decisive and they ran out worthy winners on the day, but it was a very close encounter. If Leeds can try to match the movement and accurate passing of their peers in the Professional structure then the future will be bright indeed.