Saturday 25 October 2008 U13  Leeds 5 v  Derby Schools'1  

This was a classic game of three thirds!

 

First Third: Each team vying for possession without making telling use of the ball. Derby looked a useful side who were prepared to battle for every ball. This seemed to unsettle Leeds who found it hard to get their passing game together. Midfielder Spen Lund worked hard to regain order. It was Spen's fine pass to Callum Pilkington which created the first real opportunity. Callum's low hard shot was well saved by the Derby keeper. With the exception of a good shot from Jamie Lloyd, again well saved, there was very little else to report. 0-0

 

Second Third: In total contrast to the first third, Leeds looked composed and a class above Derby. Their passing and movement came together and the first goal came within minutes of the restart. A long throw from Niall Heaton was knocked on by Callum to Jamie Lloyd. Jamie rounded the Derby keeper superbly and drilled an assured shot into an open net.  Callum also set up the second with an accurate pass to Nelson Nditah. Nelson showed great composure and skill in controlling the ball then giving the keeper no chance with a fierce shot to the top corner.

 

Leeds were now firing on all cylinders, the back four playing short passes in neat triangles then feeding Josh Barden whose excellent distribution created openings for the forwards. The third goal soon came when Niall found space in the centre circle, at least he thought he had until the referee put in a strong tackle, Niall rode the challenge and forced a pass to Callum Pilkington on the right who coolly finished with an accurate shot.

 

Leeds were unlucky to concede a goal from a Derby free kick. Josh Walsh did well to save a rasping shot but could not hold on to the ball and the Derby striker was on hand to tap home. Josh went on to give a fine overall performance, twice thwarting Derby by storming off his line to snuff out attacks. He also made a tremendous point-blank following a scramble in the Leeds area. 3-1

 

Final Third: Leeds stepped down a gear and Derby went up one so this third was more evenly competed. On five minutes Derby looked certain to close the gap when their forward found himself in acres of space, he rounded the keeper and shot towards an empty net but with lightening pace, Luke Porritt made a brilliant clearance from the goal line. Luke was also instrumental at the other end sending a fine cross to Nelson whose looping header hit the bar, Jamie Lloyd just missing from the rebound.

 

It was Sam Chippendale that made the fourth Leeds goal when he one a ball on the half way line then rode several challenges before releasing Niall Heaton on the left. Niall fired in a shot/cross which beat the keeper and found the top corner. The final goal was created by Ben Nyaswenta who made a storming run down the right before unleashing a thunderous shot. The keeper did well to push the shot onto the bar but Niall was on hand to tap in the rebound. Final score 5-1