v East Cleveland - 15th November
East Cleveland 2 v Leeds 'B' 3
It was a lovely autumn morning & the travelling supporters were hopeful for a better showing than the previous week.
They were not disappointed as Leeds looked the livlier side in the opening exchanges and soon went close when a Ben Hinchcliffe corner was met by Ryan Bedford and the ball went agonisingly close, just over the bar.
Another attack moments later saw the ball cleared only as far as Matty Booth who's long range effort went just wide.
Leeds continued to dominate with good work up the right flank by Jack Carr linking well with the central midfielders to give the Cleveland defence plenty to contend with.
Cleveland upped their game and went close when an effort from their striker was superbly cleared off the line by Oscar Turnbull. Moments later a bad clearance from Leeds was punished as the ball was slotted home giving the keeper no chance - 1 - 0
Mitch Pattinson worked tirelessly up front and his fantastic efforts were soon to benefit Leeds. A surging run up the left split the Cleveland defence and a last gasp tackle was the only thing to stop him. The ball bounced out to Matty Wheeler who expertly slotted the ball into the top corner from 15 yards. 1 - 1
Leeds were straight back in from the kick off & a lovely move left Ryan Bedford through on the keeper, a great shot, unfortunately for Leeds, also a great save. The ball came to Matty Wheeler who's shot was also saved & the ball ended up at the feet of Ben Hinchcliffe. His superb left foot shot flew into the net from 10 yards. Cleveland 1 Leeds 2 at half time
The 2nd half Cleveland came out fighting & spent much of the half camped in the leeds side of the field. The substitute George Hamnett linked up well with Kristian Smith to produce a few half chances but nothing solid was coming Leeds way. A excellent run through and shot from Callum Barron was the only Leeds highlight in the 1st 10 minutes.
Cleveland were looking the better side & their striker burst through after a defensive mix up but the shot was saved brilliantly by goalie Ross Mckenna
Moments later a Cleveland free kick from just outside the area hit the crossbar & Leeds were really up against it. The defence were again under attack especially down the middle & leeds right hand side but this was handled well by Todd Thackray and Laurence Wilson.
With 10 minutes to go Leeds broke down the right with Jack Cooper linking up with Matty Wheeler to cross the ball deep into the area. The defence couldn't clear & Kristian Smith was right in position to score an excellent goal.. 1 - 3
That looked like being the final score but in the dying seconds Cleveland broke through & the big striker shot on goal. Adam Drake who had been solid all game put his hand up to protect the ball from hitting his face and was rewarded by conceding a penalty. The visiting supporters thought this a bit harsh but the referee unfortunately had no option. The penalty was calmly slotted away in the corner giving the keeper no chance. The whistle blew from the restart & Leeds came out victorious in the end.
This was a much more focused approach by Leeds from the previous week & the team really looked to be coming together. Fantastic effort from all boys, lets keep it going!!