Nottingham 6 V Leeds 'B' 1- Saturday 17th January

Leeds were looking to extend their 4 game unbeaten run but you got the feeling from the kick off that today wasn't going to be their day…

Both sides started  well but no chances were forthcoming in the early stages. The wide defenders Matty Booth &  Todd Thackray handled the pressure well & Lawrence Wilson kept the big number 9 in check. Oscar Turnbull was solid as well & it was his free kick to the back post that looked like bringing the opening Leeds were looking for but unfortunately nobody was there to finish it off.

Kristian Smith linked well shortly after with Mitch Pattinson whose shot was well saved by the keeper. Moments later a mistake by the Nottingham keeper at the edge of his area found Jack Carr dispossessing him & laying it back to Mitch Pattinson. His shot looked goal bound but went into the side netting instead. A good move down the left found Ben Hinchcliffe in the clear but his shot was well saved by the keeper who seemed in fine form.

Leeds were certainly on top at this point but a failure to clear from the defence left the Nottingham striker through on goal & his strike left keeper Nicky Myers no chance. 1-0

Leeds rallied again & with Kristian Smith through clear on goal the defence conceded a penalty as he was less then subtly barged off the ball. Matty Booth stepped up to the spot and calmly shot into the back of the net - the ball coming off the inside of the post - great strike. 1-1

From the re-start Leeds were back in the thick of the action with midfielders Jack Cooper & Matty Wheeler battling hard. But it was Nottingham who took the half time lead. Another failure to clear from Leeds left the striker through on goal & again he shot past giving  Nicky Myers no chance. 2-1

 

Leeds made 4 second half substitutions & the travelling fans were hopeful of a fight back. Unfortunately the players didn't feel the same and straight from the kick off allowed the Nottingham players straight through the middle to score. 3-1

George Hamnett linked up well with Ryan Bedford & Callum Barron to force an early corner which unfortunately came to nothing. Moments later a short corner on the opposite side of the field was intercepted & Nottingham worked the ball down to the Leeds area to score yet another goal. 4-1

Adam Drake battled valiantly at the back as Nottingham continued to push on. Nottingham were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area & with the prevailing wind the ball flew into the back of the net. 5-1

In the dying moments another failed clearance from Leeds found the feet of the opposition & the ensuing shot easily found the back of the net. 6-1

 

A disappointingly below par performance from the Leeds team to break their unbeaten run. Heads up lads  for next weeks cup game!!