Leeds City Boys "A" 3 - 2 Huddersfield Town Academy - 16th January 2009
It is probably fair to say that there were a few doubting Thomas's amongst us in September when Michael Rossiter opined that his Leeds City Boys team would give the Huddersfield Academy team a run for their money later in the season. After being thumped 8 - 0 in the first contest of the season, this was an all together more accomplished performance from Rossiter's charges.
The match, divided in to two 25 minute periods and two periods of twelve and a half minutes, started with Huddersfield looking dangerous, Leeds showing the Academy boys too much respect. After that, Leeds dominated play in all areas of the park. Huddersfield was more than matched on their home turf, and when Jack Waters put Leeds ahead, it was fully merited. Receiving the ball on the left, Waters beat his marker out wide and lofted his cross high above the Huddersfield keeper and in to the goal.
Leeds controlled the game from this point and passed the ball confidently. Tom Elliot made surging runs down the left and Joe Firth, Lee Rowley, Michael O'Donoughue and Jordan Emery were all combative against a tough Huddersfield midfield. Against the run of play, Huddersfield equalised, the striker seemingly having nudged the Leeds defender off the ball before slotting home.
The Leeds response was swift and decisive with Jack Waters again being the provider for Scott Townend to head home.
First period 2 - 1
Huddersfield came out with renewed determination and had clearly been told to up their game. Both Danny Crook and Ross McKenna, sharing keeping duties for the day, were impressive and pulled off good stops. Jack Waters was, however, still tormenting down the left and after he had been hacked down, Scott Townend received the ball inside the box, twisted, turned and managed to square the ball for Ross Kershaw to make it 3 - 1.
Second period 3 -1
Leeds knew that they would have to hang on for the final periods, but an early goal from Huddersfield made it difficult. Leeds continued to look like scoring on the break, but the game ended without further goals despite the nail-biting conclusion to the match.
This hard-working performance was fully deserving of the victory against the Academy outfit, a feat not matched by City Boys for some years. The doubters from September left eating their humble pie, but they were nevertheless happy.
Full time 3 - 2