SATURDAY OCTOBER 18TH LEEDS U13s 1 NOTTINGHAM U13s 1
Encounters with Nottingham over the years have usually been close with not too much to choose between the teams. (except the famous 5-0 U11 Green 'Un Final Second Leg!). This latest match was no exception.
It was a blustery day at St Theresa's with the wind making good football difficult. Leeds started the stronger and forced two early corners, the second falling to Will Boyle whose flick was well saved by the keeper. An early goal soon followed with a forceful Callum Pilkington run down the left resulting in an excellent cross for Ben Nyaswenta to force home at the far post. Nottingham however soon equalised when Leeds failed to clear a corner and the Notts striker neatly slotted home.
Nottingham had the benefit of the wind in the first half and their "route one" style had the potential to cause the Leeds defence problems. The centre-back pairing of Sam Chippendale and Josh Robson, solidly supported by full backs Mitchell Lund and Joe Boylan took it all in their stride and prevented any clear cut chances. In the middle Spencer Lund was at his battling best and from one steal released Ben Nyaswenta down the right only to see Callum Pilkington steer the cross over the bar. Half-time 1-1
Leeds came out faster in the second half and with Nyaswenta down the right and Luke Poritt down the left looked dangerous down both blanks. Despite the pressure the Nottingham defence were in determined mood and it was difficult to fashion a clear cut chance. It was all Leeds but they couldn't take advantage and Nottingham always had the talent to create problems at the other end given the chance.
It was Nottingham who came closest to scoring following a free kick. It was a good delivery caught by the swirling wind that caused Leeds goalie Josh Walsh problems and in a frantic exchange only a Josh Robson goal-line clearance kept the score level. Walsh was also called in to action to get down well shortly afterwards with a fine save.
Following Nottingham's five minutes of pressure, Leeds bounced back and finished in the ascendency. Niall Heaton made space down the left to deliver a great cross only to see Will Boyle's header glance off the post. Full-time 1-1.
Overall a solid performance against a useful Nottingham side. Leeds probably shaded the best of the few chances but could easily have conceded in Nottingham's second half spell. The 100% record ends but it all bodes well for the developing squad who now have a five game unbeaten run to take on their travels for the first time next week.