Leeds U13 5 Sheffield U13 1
Saturday September 27th
Given the summer we had it was a warm and sunny September morning that greeted the teams at St Theresa's. Unfortunately the grass had still not been cut properly resulting in a difficult surface that was more suitable for grazing cows than quality football.
Leeds started the stronger with Callum Pilkington, Will Boyle and Nelson Tofagnda all having chances to open the scoring. At the other end Sheffield looked dangerous on the break and did have a chance following a free kick but the shot was over the bar. Leeds were in the ascendancy with Niall Heaton and Ben Nyaswenta linking very well in the midfield. One great opening saw Will Boyle hit the bar. Despite all the Leeds pressure, it was Sheffield who took the lead against the run of play. A great cross from the right dipped straight out of the bright sun and eluded Leeds goalkeeper Josh Walsh. The first of the three periods ended shortly after, LEEDS 0 SHEFFIELD 1.
The second period started in a similar vein to the first with Leeds pushing hard in search of the equaliser. Despite the pitch the Leeds team managed to show what skilful football they can play. Luke Porritt down the left was in great form and combined brilliantly with Will Boyle to send in a perfect cross for Boyle's header to just slide past the post. The Leeds equaliser soon followed when Callum Pilkington found great space down the right for a dangerous cross that the Sheffield defence only half cleared allowing Luke Porritt to score.
Leeds turned on the style, Ben Nyaswenta's cross picked out Niall Heaton to score with a powerful header and minutes later Heaton turned provider down the left as his cross was only parried by the Sheffield keeper and Nyaswenta pounced to score. The second period ended with the score LEEDS 3 SHEFFIELD 1.
Sheffield had the players to create chances, but the Leeds defence was in no mood to concede any more goals. Sam Chippendale and Josh Robson were solid in the middle to make sure that the lively Sheffield centre forward was kept at bay. Luke Porritt from left back created the fourth when his through ball was met perfectly by Niall Heaton's flick header to send Josh Barden clean through to score with a cool chip. The fifth soon followed when a Josh Robson ball reached Will Boyle in the penalty area and Nelson Tofagda squeezed the pass in to the corner. FULL TIME LEEDS 5 SHEFFIELD 1.
Despite conceding the opening goal, the Leeds team showed what they are capable of. Sheffield are a good quality team but were no match for a rampant Leeds side. Given it was only the second match of the season these boys are going to go from strength to strength and whilst the weather can only get worse hopefully the quality of the pitches will improve.