Saturday 22 November 2008                            U13    Leeds  5 V  Liverpool  2

Leeds had several early chances: An excellent Ben Nyaswenta cross drifted just over Will Boyle's head,  Nelson Nditah hit the bar from a Niall Heaton corner  and a Will Boyle shot was well saved.

 

The first goal came on ten minutes when Luke Porritt fed Callum Pilkington. He drove down the left and his powerful shot brought a superb save from the keeper but the ball fell to Jamie Lloyd on the edge of the box, he kept his composure and lobbed the retreating keeper, 1-0.  Soon after Niall came close with a free kick just wide.

 

Liverpool went up a gear and responded with a slightly fortuitous goal. Their number 22 made a darting run down the right and sent in a good looking cross which eluded the attackers and Leeds keeper then found the back of the net,

1-1. Minutes later Liverpool came close again but were thwarted by a brave defensive header from Josh Robson.

 

The action came thick and fast and Leeds were soon back in front when Thomas Turner drilled home an expertly delivered Niall Heaton corner, 2-1.

 

Leeds increased the lead three minutes into the second half when Luke Porritt's corner cased havoc in the Liverpool box and Josh Robson, making a rare sortie in attack, finally killed the ball to make it 3-1.

 

Liverpool did not lie down and after an uncharacteristic mistake by the Leeds defence, they were presented with a one-on-one opportunity but Josh Walsh made two magnificent reflex saves to maintain the status quo.

 

Leeds kept the pressure up with Spencer Lund and Will Boyle dominating mid-field and creating openings for the front line. More goals were inevitable and Ben Nyaswenta kindly obliged. After receiving the pass of the day from Jamie Lloyd, he tore down the right and unleashed an unstoppable shot, 4-1.

 

Ben turned provider in the next Leeds move. From a steady build up at the back Mitch Lund released him down the right. Ben drilled the ball across the Liverpool box where Will Boyle was waiting to side foot home, 5-1.

 

Although the game was now beyond Liverpool their heads did not go down and they were rewarded with a penalty when the eagle eyed referee spotted an infringement that both sets of players missed. Their number 15 scored from the spot with an excellent kick, 5-2. Further controversy followed when a sixth Leeds goal was disallowed for off-side.

 

This was easily the best Leeds performance of the season and, although Liverpool were by no means a weak side, the final score actually flattered them.