East Cleveland 1 v 4 Leeds'A' Saturday 18th October
Leeds took advantage of a late change of dates by York to enable us to obtain a fixture against our North East rivals. On a compact pitch with a good playing surface, on a hillside overlooking the sea, Leeds were looking to start a run of victories instead of the rollercoaster ride of the last month. Mr. Rossiter and Mr.Tonge were in a buoyant and confident mood and the boys seemed ready for business.
Leeds started brightly with Ross Kershaw and Ross Dickinson both in lively form up front and their hold up play and running wide into the channel area of the pitch was a particular strong feature. Leeds made and spurned a few early chances, one in particular from Ross Kershaw who blazed over the bar from the 7 yards out after a terrific move up the pitch and eyecatching passing from Lee Rowley, Michael O'Donaghue and Jack Waters. The failure to take chances cost Leeds shortly after when a long clearance from East Cleveland hit a retreating Leeds defender on the back and fell kindly for the East Cleveland striker to hammer home giving Ross Mckenna no chance. This 'slap in the face' for Leeds was the wake up call they needed and from a Waters cross Dickinson tapped home, and a few minutes later the hard working Kershaw rifled home following another glorious passing move. Daniel Sefton was imperial at the back against a very lively forward and along with the ever reliable Ryan Bedford kept things tight. The two full backs Jack Cooper and Andrew Slinger, continued to pour forward supporting their wing partners and half-time came with Leeds on top. 2-1
One had a feeling that the next goal was crucial and with Sefton winning challenge after challenge and the tigerish full back Tom Elliott now joining the fray Leeds felt confident it would be them that would score next. Mr.R had asked the boys for an 'edge' to their play and tackling and throughout the team the boys responded.
The two 'shark-like midfield pairing of Rowley and O'Donaghue meant no rest for overworked East Cleveland opponents. Scotty Townsend came on to pep things up and it was Scott who tracked back to win a crucial challenge when E.C were about to tap home. M'Kenna's handling and distribution got better and better and this new found confidence spread to the team. Leeds poured forward and although the left wing became heavy [poor Jack!] the shots rained in on the Cleveland goal. Our 'Johnny on the spot' Dickinson tucked home number three and just before the end Bedford smashed the ball home from an acute angle.
Jack Carr came back into the action and his pace and skill caused E.C a head-ache. The result was a boost for Leeds against talented opponents in an excellent game of football. Our opponents thought the score-line was a little harsh on them as they made quite a few chances, but all Leeds spectators and management were in no doubt that today the triumph was ours. The 'B' team return there after half term for a league game-we had better be on guard I think! Well done boys, the message is sinking in at last!