Leeds City Boys "A" v East Cleveland WYL 13th December 2008
The final competitive match of 2008 caused by Monday's postponement of the Doncaster game, produced a performance of great quality from Leeds, despite the very heavy conditions at St Theresa's.
East Cleveland, however, started off brightly and, without seriously threatening Danny Crook's goal, looked like a team who had a performance in them against the changed formation in the Leeds team. Tom Elliott and Dan Sefton, however, closed the gate on chances with some ease.
Oscar Bailey's opening goal settled the nerves of the Leeds contingent. A strong strike from the excellent Jack Waters was only parried by the East Cleveland goalkeeper and Bailey followed in to slide the ball home.
The new formation in the team settled down and began to work well. Michael O'Donoghue, in an unfamiliar role at right back, overlapped purposefully on the flank and it was his inch-perfect ball through the middle, carving up the opposition defence which allowed Jack Waters to slam home his first of the day. Moments later, Lee Rowley showed just how well he can strike the ball to add his team's third and the hard-working Grady Marshall added a fourth, a scoreline which by this stage properly reflected Leeds' dominance in the match.
Half time 4 - 0
In reality, the game was over at half time. Despite the worsening conditions and driving rain, Leeds continued to press and were able to add to their tally. Jack Waters added his second and a further goal followed from Scott Townend after some good interlinking play to set up the effort. Jordan Emery, who had looked commanding in defence throughout and didn't put a foot wrong, also ventured forward to strike home a further goal for Leeds.
Just before the final whistle, Jack Waters seized on a poor clearance by the keeper and took advantage to claim his hat-trick and end the rout.
This really was a good result and a fine team performance from Leeds in all areas. It could have been considerably worse for the visitors who were thoroughly dispirited even by half time.
The objectives for 2009 have to be to create opportunities, to ensure chances translate in to goals as they did in this game, and remain solid defensively against all of the teams in the league. If this is achieved, success can follow. Bring it on!
Full time 8 - 0