Leeds City Boys "B" v Nottingham 18th October 2008
Make no mistake, this was a good victory for Leeds against a capable, determined Nottingham team, who will surely brush away a number of opponents this season.
It all started poorly though in the strong wind. Right from the start, Leeds put themselves under pressure. Still half asleep for the 10.30am kick off, they gave the ball away in their own half. But for a superb, timely sliding tackle in the area from Callum Barron, Leeds could have been one nil down, after they had barely touched the ball.
Leeds were shaken from their slumber, no doubt with some home truths from Mr Smith on the touchline, and his team started to take control. Callum Barron was exceptional in midfield and won every ball that was there to be won, then spraying the ball out to all areas of the field for others.
When Barron was fouled just inside the Nottingham half, Oscar Turnbull thumped a trademark free kick in to the area which was knocked in to the path of George Hamnett who drilled the ball past the helpless keeper.
The goal gave Leeds the confidence they needed to push on and Kristian Smith had the chance to extend his team's lead and hit a superb shot across the keeper which he was fortunate to palm wide. Smith got on the score sheet moments later though after some good interplay on the left and he made sure to double his team's lead.
Nottingham were not, however without attacking menace. That their attack was quiet for large parts of the game was a credit to Oscar Turnbull, Matty Ingram, Lawrence Wilson and Joe Firth who generally managed to nullify their approaches.
Leeds' third goal was sweet. Oscar Bailey moved forward on the left playing an early ball in to the path of Kristian Smith who lashed the ball beyond the reach of the keeper. It could have been better. Moments later Oscar Bailey broke through on the left again, this time squaring the ball in to the path of Mitchell Pattison who gave the ball the full treatment from just inside the box. The resulting shot rattled the underside of the bar, bounced down and out. Where was the Russian linesman when you needed him?
Half time 3 - 0
The second half was always going to be tougher, with Leeds by now playing in to the very strong wind. Nottingham had a good chance to open their account early on when Leeds were exposed at the back, having just 2 defenders against 4 eager Nottingham attackers. Miraculously, with intervention from Lawrence Wilson, Leeds managed to clear. Nottingham were not, however, going to be kept at bay for too long. Their captain, leading by example, picked up the ball inside his own half, beat for or five Leeds players and coolly slotted home.
Leeds started to wobble and Nottingham took the ascendancy briefly, but Callum Barron grafted tirelessly in midfield. Just when it was looking tight, Kristian Smith struck the ball goal bound from just inside the opponent's box. The keeper was unable to hold it and punched out. Oscar Bailey was first to the ball and followed in to head home and make it 4-1.
Nottingham came back in to the game as Leeds tired, losing he ball on the left in defence and presenting a second goal for the visitors just before the end of the match.
This Nottingham team, with some exceptional individuals, were always a threat. The difference on this occasion was that Leeds team played as a unit to secure the win.
Full time 4 - 2