Further Reports

team Cup Winners

Yorkshire Cup Final 12th May 2007

Hull 3 Leeds 0After winning two league titles and two cup competitions that included the West Yorkshire Cup and then the biggest prize of all the Green Un cup. Leeds went into this final match of the season confident of taking an unprecedented fifth title when they faced a strong Hull outfit in the Yorkshire Cup at Bridlington.

Hull who had twice previously felt the disappointment of cup defeats to Leeds this season, the most recent a West York’s Cup final match at Thorp Arch, were deeply intent on seeking revenge and preventing Leeds from claiming a fifth trophy.

In perfect conditions before a good crowd, Hull immediately pinned Leeds back as they used the long ball to good affect forcing the Leeds defence on the back-foot. Then after ten minutes Hull were awarded a free kick for foul play 25 yards out. The Hull central midfield player stepped back and then unleashed a superb ferocious shot that gave Leeds keeper Dan Clayton little chance as the ball hit the back of the net.

This early goal seemed to spur the Humberside outfit as they sought to build on Leeds’ hesitancy and lack of confidence. Indeed it came as no surprise when as the half came to its close Hull increased their lead when after a goalmouth scramble a ball that failed to be cleared found its way to a burly Hull striker who though looked suspiciously offside, crashed the ball into the net to make the half time score 2-0.

The second period saw a much better response from the visitors as they battled much more gamely for every loose ball and started to construct some good passing moves of their own.

Several chances went begging though, twice Reece Fennel broke from his shackles going close one effort going agonisingly past the wrong side of the post. Jamie Lloyd was also unlucky after a surging run saw the winger hit a strike that flew over the bar. Then the impressive Liam Marshall used good pace to beat a defender down the right to deliver a fine cross to the near post that just evaded two Leeds strikers and was cleared for a corner. From the resulting dead ball kick the ball found its way to Fidele Kadji who used good feet to hit a fine shot that agonisingly for the Leeds supporters hit the side netting.

With Leeds pushing in search of some way back there was always the danger that they could be hit on the break and that’s what exactly happened with only 5 mins left when a clearing drive found a Hull striker with an easy route through to goal. Taking the ball on the bounce the striker lofted the ball from 20yards out and over Dan Claytons head to deliver a final score of 3-0.

Congratulations to Hull on the day as the better team won and deserved to lift the trophy.

But lets not forget what a memorable and successful season this has been for our Leeds City Boys. Well Done Lads.

But most of all many, many thanks must go to Mr Rossiter, Mr Tongue, Mr Smith, The Doc and not forgetting Jackie Batley for all their efforts and making this year one that both parents and the boys will never forget.

 

Saturday 12th May Leeds (B)      3       v       2       Ormskirk

 

Hot on the heels of their tremendous victory the previous night against the LUFC “shadow” squad where a magnificent headed goal from Brad Firn and a couple of stunners from Macauley (Macca) Milburn saw the lads to a stunning three goals to one victory, Leeds entered the final leg of their triathlon (three matches in the space of three days) against an Ormskirk side playing their first full season of representative football.

 

The burning issue ahead of this clash was whether or not the Leeds boys would have enough energy in their exhausted young bodies to finish in style what has been a wonderfully successful season, ………… as has generally been the case this year, the lads did not disappoint.

 

With a gusting wind in their favour, Leeds met with fierce resistance from their West Lancs rivals and any hopes the home side had of a “stroll in the park” were quickly dashed by the visitors who deservedly took a two- goal advantage into the half time interval.

 

With the Doc away on A team duty and unable to prescribe some of his magic it was left to young Andy Smith to deliver his final and arguably most crucial pep talk of the season. As always, the boys responded positively to Andy’s words of wisdom to turn in a second half performance that matched nay surpassed anything that they had produced all year.

 

Within a matter of minutes Leeds had clawed a goal back when Ben Scargill latched on to Milburn’s defence splitting pass to drill the ball past the advancing goalkeeper and into the back of the visitors net. Spurred on by this encouraging start, Leeds were now pushing hard for the equaliser and their band of fanatical supporters did not have too long to wait. Put through by an inch perfect pass from Jake Clifford on the right, Scargill, as always in the thick of the action, crossed to Milburn who calmly side footed home for the Leeds equaliser.

 

Surely the unthinkable was not going to happen. Could the boys in white clutch an epic victory from the jaws of defeat? The answer of course was a resounding “Yes”, and when Milburn latched onto a miss kick from the Ormskirk keeper to notch the winner, the Leeds lads to a player hugged each other in delight.

 

Defeat for the Ormskirk boys was hard on them. They can be proud of their achievements in pushing an excellent Leeds team to their absolute limit, but for the boys in white, this had been a fitting finale to an incredible year of representative football. Every boy in the squad has played a significant part in the teams overall success and the improvement they have all made over the last nine months or so has been immeasurable.

 

Words alone cannot express the parent’s collective gratitude towards Mr R, Mark, Andy, Doc and Jackie. Your commitment and dedication to Leeds SFA is so far beyond the call of duty it’s untrue and you have given not only the boys but all the parents and grand parents alike, memories that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday 10th May    Bradford A  0    Leeds A  5

 

In between all the Cup Finals, Leeds completed their West Yorkshire League campaign with a title winning victory away at Bradford. The number of games recently meant most of the A team were rested ahead of the Yorkshire Cup Final, but it did allow a number of the B squad a chance to play.

 

It was a bright and breezy evening at Marley and although the grass had been recently cut, the cuttings were still strewn everywhere creating a slow and difficult surface.

 

Leeds started brightly and started to adapt to the pitch. Ciaron Mallon playing down the left created the first chance when he sent Luke Booker through only to see his shot miss the target. Shortly afterwards Leeds took the lead when a Odun Obebe ball over the top of the Bradford defence found Jamie Lloyd down the right. Lloyd’s pace was too much for Bradford and he scored with a neat finish following his fine run.

 

Leeds had the unusual pairing of Max McCarthy and Josh Robson in midfield and both were working had to win and distribute the ball. Up front Ben Scargill and Luke Booker were linking well and creating space to try and create goal-scoring chances. As the half ended Bradford had forced themselves back in to the game and were looking dangerous. Dan Clayton in goal had to be alert to pull of a great save which allowed Louis Smith to track back and clear. Half-time Bradford 0 Leeds 1.

 

Leeds started strongly in the second half with substitute Matty Ducker unlucky on two occasions to be thwarted by the Bradford goalkeeper. The half-time team talk and substitutes did the trick and the pressure continued to build. The chances were coming and it was only a matter of time before Leeds increased their lead. The second goal came when Luke Booker was fouled just outside the box and picked himself up to squeeze the free kick just inside the post.

 

Luke Booker scored his second and Leeds’ third soon after. Brad Firn won possession and found Jake Clifford down the right. Clifford’s neat pass released Booker who created space for a well placed shot. Booker and Clifford linked again for Leeds fourth goal to pick out Ben Scargill whose pace took him round the keeper before smashing home. Jamie Lloyd completed the scoring showing great control to beat two defenders before picking his spot with a power finish. Full-time Bradford 0 Leeds 5 

 

Despite the changes the quality of the football was superb which shows the strength in depth in the Leeds squad and the benefit of training together. The League title belongs to Leeds with four wins and three draws in an unbeaten campaign.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

THE GREEN UN CUP FINAL 2ND LEG TUESDAY MAY 8TH

LEEDS 5 (6) NOTTINGHAM 0 (2) Once again the brave-hearts of Leeds City Schools under 11s were called into action to play their return leg match against a strong Nottingham team, who came to Thorp Arch with the slender advantage of a 2-1 lead that they had secured in the East Midlands just over a week ago.

Playing their third game in eight days that included a memorable victory in the West Yorkshire Cup Final against Hull; the Leeds lads went into this contest determined to reverse the deficit from the first leg and deliver a second piece of silverware to their fanatical supporters.

On a perfect playing surface in blustery conditions Leeds immediately gave warning of what was to come, as they pressed forward attacking down the right flank through Ben Joyce, who’s pinpoint delivery to Reece Fennel saw the striker aim a shot that was well saved by the visiting keeper but where left winger Luke Porritt was ready to pounce and drill the rebound into the empty net.

Now with the score all level on aggregate, Leeds were ready to go for the jugular. Playing with pace and confidence Leeds were passing the ball around brilliantly, exposing ways to unlock the wobbling Nottingham rear-guard. In midfield Leeds were in total command and from this area William Boyle gained possession to pass a neat ball to Liam Marshall in space who had time to tee up a stunning shot from distance that swerved past the keeper and into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

Now with their tales up and now in the lead on aggregate, Leeds continued to look for goals. Liam Marshall nearly repaid the compliment for Will Boyle when he managed to flick on a header to his midfield partner but where the youngsters shot went just past the post. Then full back Connor Gilboy joined in the action when he linked up on the right with Jake Ward the defender curling his shot narrowly past the upright.

Then as the half reached its latter stages the impressive Luke Porritt once again caused panic down the left taking on the right back before sending over a perfect ball to right midfield playmaker Jake Ward who expertly took control of the ball before placing a superb shot past the helpless Nottingham Keeper to make the half time score 3-0.

In the second period Leeds now playing against the wind may have been expected to find going slightly more difficult but that was definitely not to be the case. Straight from the restart Leeds once again took control of proceedings when again Luke Porritt linking well with Will Boyle on the left sent in another fine cross where waiting was striker Reece Fennel who rose well to meet with a fine header to score his 37th goal in what has been a superb season.

With the game now slipping away from the Nottingham team they at last found some relief and were able to make an unusual foray into the Leeds half. However Leeds were In no mood to give any glimmer of hope to the visitors. In defence Fidele Kayji, Josh Robson, Odun Obebe and Joe Boylan were in fantastic form and dealt with all that came their way and were instrumental in being the platform from which Leeds could mount another attack.

With this mini assault on the Leeds penalty area dealt with, Leeds resumed their assault continuing to look for further goals. Connor Gilboy again was prominent on the right finding a good pass that released Reece Fennel who delivered a super cross for Ben Joyce to strike a fifth and final goal for Leeds. Further chances were to be created for Leeds notably for Spencer Lund who shot past a post and then Max McCarthy who fed onto a great cross from Jamie Lloyd putting his header just over the bar.

Then the final whistle sounded enabling the celebrations to begin for the Leeds players, coaches and supporters. The biggest cup competition of the season the Green Un Cup was deservedly awarded to the Leeds City Boys by the Doc. Congratulations to all the boys and Michael, Mark, Andy and the Doc.

Two down one to go. What a season so far!

May 2nd 2007

 

West Yorkshire Cup Finalwinner07

 

Leeds A  1      Hull   0

 

 

After the long trip to Nottingham only two days ago, Leeds were in action again, this time at home to Hull on one of the excellent pitches at Leeds United’s Thorpe Arch Academy. It was a sunny evening and a large crowd gathered to see the first cup of the season decided.

 

Leeds took the lead after only two minutes. A defensive header from centre back Josh Robson found Jamie Lloyd in midfield and his pinpoint pass released Ben Joyce. Joyce’s first shot was saved but he maintained his composure to slot in the rebound for a great start.

 

Despite the early goal the Leeds team still didn’t settle and as Hull gained a little momentum the Leeds defence had a nervous period as they struggled to clear the ball. Gradually Leeds came in to the game and in the midfield Liam Marshall, Joe Boylan and Spencer Lund started to gain good possession and create some opportunities as Max McCarthy and Ben Joyce both were thwarted by the Hull keeper.

 

It was a difficult half for the Leeds defence as they were facing directly in to the sun. Hull have a long ball game and pumped the ball high in to the box at every opportunity. The back four of Conor Gilboy, Fidele Kayij, Josh Robson and Odun Obebe were outstanding and dealt with everything effectively. Despite difficulties in the sun, Dan Clayton in goal was confident in his handling and had one great save to make from a long-range effort high towards his goal.

Half-time Leeds A 1 Hull 0.

 

The second half started with Leeds on the attack but the Hull defence was also in fine form to prevent any clear-cut chances. Hull were dangerous on the break but also struggled to fashion any chances. As the half progressed the second half substitutes Will Boyle and Luke Porritt started to link very well and Porritt used his strength and pace for a series of penetrating runs down the left wing and some great crosses that caused problems for the Hull defence. Down the right the other half-time substitutes Jake Ward and Reece Fennell  were also working well with Max McCarthy to penetrate deep in to the Hull half.

 

Unfortunately despite all the possession and skilful build up, direct chances for Leeds were in short supply and with only a one goal lead the Leeds boys could not be comfortable. Hull’s style was always going to be capable of creating pressure and as the game entered its final phase Leeds gave away a series of free kicks that were launched high in to the box. Dan Clayton had to pull off a decisive save and another shot narrowly went over the bar. As the minutes ticked away the Leeds team held on for a well-deserved victory. Full-time Leeds A 1 Hull 0.

 

The U11 West Yorkshire remains with Leeds for the second successive year. The game was dominated by the defences who managed to limit chances at both ends. Leeds however had the edge and over the course of the game deserved their victory with credit to all the boys as every one of them played their part. Congratulations to all the Players and Coaches.

 

 

UNDER 11s’ Peter Evans Trophy & GREEN UN’ CUP FINAL 1ST LEG Monday 30th April

Nottingham 2 Leeds 1

Leeds suffered their first defeat of the year when they came back down to earth with a bump at Nottingham Universities Playing Fields. The prize at stake was the Peter Evans Trophy and also the added advantage of taking a precious lead from the first leg of the Green Un Cup Final.

It was a fine but blustery evening in the East Midlands, but the boys from Nottingham playing against the wind, immediately set about their task by pushing the Leeds team back in to their own territory.

Maybe through cup final nerves or still feeling the affects of the long journey from Leeds, the Whites looked unusually hesitant at times as they found it difficult to hold onto the ball and were generally second best in any 50/50 challenges.

With Leeds looking rattled and ill at ease with the situation, Nottingham took advantage and used their early dominance to create a sustained period of pressure. Indeed from the games first corner it didn’t come as much of a surprise when the home team took the lead. The dead ball kick swung in from the right was only half cleared by Leeds defenders to the edge of the area, but where waiting to pounce was a Nottingham striker who used good feet to skip past a challenge and rifle his effort into the back of the Leeds net.

Going a goal down at last spurred the visitors into some resistance as they began to enjoy a period of attacking play of their own. Leeds first chance of note came when from a throw in from the right when the ball was flicked on to release midfielder Jake Ward who was unlucky to see his volley go past the post. Then minutes later Leeds had a glorious chance to equalise when Liam Marshall linked well with Ben Joyce on the left. From here Marshall receiving a great return ball from Joyce, then delivered a fine pass to unmarked striker Reece Fennel who unluckily couldn’t connect with delivery on the edge of the six yard box but where an incoming Jamie Lloyd from the right challenged with the keeper the ball squirming into safety. Unfortunately for the brave shot-stopper that was the last the keeper was to see of the game as a resultant injury from the challenge forced him to retire. Leeds then had further chances to equalise before the break but generally found the Nottingham rear guard to be in good form. HT 1-0.

As the first half ended Leeds began again pressuring the Nottingham penalty area. Jamie Lloyd on the right used lightning pace to beat two defenders but where frustratingly for Leeds the reserve keeper positioned himself perfectly to collect the cross. Then Max McCarthy went close after good build up play involving Joe Boylan and Spencer Lund the result a right foot shot that forced the keeper into pushing the ball round the post.

However for all their efforts and attacking play, Leeds found it difficult to break down that last line of defence. Then for Leeds disaster happened. On a rare Nottingham attack, Leeds failed to clear their lines and lost possession in their own penalty area. From here a Nottingham striker skipped around challenges to tee up a shot at goal but where Leeds player Liam Marshall unluckily miss-timed his challenge taking the legs away of the forward leaving the referee with no alternative of awarding a penalty kick. Up stepped the Nottingham penalty taker to drill his shot past Dan Clayton in the Leeds goal to make it 2-0. Leeds were rocked and time was definitely not on their side with only around 10 mins left on the clock.

Was their to be another great escape, maybe not on this particular night but Leeds were left with some salvation when with only 4 mins left Liam Marshall gained possession on the edge of the Nottingham area evading a couple of challenges before being fouled leaving Leeds with a free kick, positioned centrally in front of the Nottingham goal 5 yards outside the area. Up stepped Free Kick specialist Reece Fennel for Leeds, could he heave Leeds back into this contest. With both defenders and attackers positioned the referee blew his whistle for the kick to be taken and Fennel hit the ball perfectly the ball rising over the wall and dipping under the bar to give Leeds that precious lifeline.

The final whistle blew to end the contest and Nottingham were left to hold the Peter Evans Trophy, but more importantly for Leeds that Reece Fennel free kick puts the Green Un Cup back in the balance and leaves the second leg at Leeds finely poised.

21st April 2007

 

Huddersfield Academy   3     Leeds A   2

 

It was a bright and sunny morning for what was going to be a true test of the Leeds team. The Huddersfield team were well organised and had some extremely tall players in their ranks.

 

The home team settled quickly and took the lead very early in the game when they managed to break behind the Leeds defence to score with a quality finish. It took the Leeds team a little while to come to terms with the Huddersfield team who had a fluent passing style on a good quality surface. The Leeds midfield were getting some good possession and through some neat passing moves did start to threaten, particularly down the right exploiting Jamie Lloyd’s pace.

 

Huddersfield increased their lead when their big centre-forward Gypsy Black used his considerable pace to break through the Leeds defence and score.

1st Period Huddersfield 2 Leeds 0

 

The second period started well for Leeds with Ben Joyce down the left creating two chances as Leeds dominated for a spell. Unfortunately against the run of play Huddersfield increased their lead when a speculative shot from distance looped over Lewis Copeland and in to the net.

 

The Leeds team however bounced back and had a period of sustained pressure with Jake Ward, Ben Joyce and Liam Marshall all coming close. Although it was all Leeds, Huddersfield did look dangerous on the break although the defence were now coming to terms with their opposition. 2nd Period Huddersfield 3 Leeds 0

 

The third period continued in much the same vein as the second with Leeds now starting to get the better of their Academy opposition. Chances were being created; Ben Joyce shot wide from a Will Boyle through ball, Liam Marshall released Jamie Lloyd and although his pace got him passed the full back he shot wide. A Leeds goal was inevitable and followed when Jake Ward released Reece Fennell behind the Huddersfield defence to score with a low drive.

 

Further chances were created as the Leeds team pressured to close the gap, but with time running out it looked like the Leeds team were going to suffer a rare defeat. In the dying seconds Luke Porritt flicked in a Jake Ward shot with the final kick of the match. Full-time Huddersfield 3 Leeds 2

 

Despite the defeat it was an excellent performance by the Leeds boys against a good quality opposition. Leeds didn’t recover from a slow start and whilst they then competed on equal terms for most of the match could not claw back a 0-3 deficit. It was however a credit to see the quality of the play and the way the heads did not drop.

 

 

Leeds (B)    1      v      4      Liverpool (B)

 

In their first fixture since the tour of North Tyneside, Leeds played host to their old adversaries from Merseyside in a repeat of the fixture played earlier in the season. In that game, Leeds had held out for a creditable goal less draw in a thrilling encounter and expectations were high for a similar spectacle.

 

Leeds were quickly out of the blocks, launching a series of attacks on a Liverpool defence who seemed shell-shocked at the intensity of the home sides’ early play. On ten minutes, Leeds took a thoroughly deserved lead when Matty Ducker finished with great composure following terrific work from Macauley Milburn on the right. At this stage, Leeds were rampant and an avalanche of goals from the boys in white seemed inevitable.

 

Liverpool, on the other hand had other ideas and the Leeds goal seemed to sting them into action. From the ensuing kick off they stormed up the pitch and immediately brought parity to the score line when scoring directly from a free-kick conceded by the home side on the edge of the penalty area. Realising that they were now in a real match against top quality opponents, Leeds competed well in all areas of the pitch, but with half time approaching, Liverpool took a precious lead when the hosts failed to properly defend a long, speculative ball over the top.

 

As they have so often done this season, Leeds gave a whole hearted and passionate display in the second half but as time elapsed it became apparent that this Liverpool side were made of stern stuff and were becoming a tough, if not impossible nut to crack. Chances for both teams were scarce and with the final quarter of the match approaching and the outcome still in the balance it was becoming increasingly difficult to see to see where the Leeds equaliser would come from. With time fast running out, Liverpool secured a well earned victory with two superbly taken goals in rapid succession, neither of which gave Leeds keeper Dan Clayton a chance of saving.

 

A 4-1 score line suggests a comfortable victory for the Liverpool boys. That couldn’t be further from the truth. For the most part, this had been an evenly contested encounter, played in an excellent spirit between two very good teams who had both done their respective football associations proud.

 

Under 11s Yorkshire Cup Semi-final Wednesday 18th April.

Leeds 3 Sheffield 2

Leeds successfully steered their way past a talented Sheffield outfit to deservedly claim their place in a third successive cup final.

Playing in superb conditions early evening at St Theresa’s school, a good crowd had gathered to witness what was to be an enthralling contest between two very evenly matched teams.

Early proceedings saw Leeds seize the initiative as they pinned their opponents back into their own half. Playing with confidence after just completing a successful tour of the North East, Leeds were passing the ball around beautifully as the South Yorkshire outfit were finding it difficult to keep in touch with their deepest rivals. Indeed it came as no surprise when Leeds took an early but deserved lead when after good build up play Ben Joyce delivered a pinpoint cross that found midfielder Jake Ward superbly positioned to steer his header past the keeper and into the Sheffield net.

This setback served as a wake up call to the boys from the Steel City as they at last responded with a period of sustained attacking play of their own. Leeds however were well organised at the back and comfortably coped with whatever came their way and used their pace on the break to cause some uneasy moments for the Sheffield rear-guard. However as the first half progressed Leeds were finding it more and more difficult to re-establish the dominance they enjoyed earlier as Sheffield pressed in search of an equaliser. Then with only minutes left until the break Leeds once again broke quickly this time right winger Jamie Lloyd using his pace to outstrip the visitors defence expertly finding Jake Ward in space on the edge of the area who in turn cleverly found striker Reece Fennel in space on the edge of the six yard box who drilled in his shot from only six yards out. H/T 2-0With defeat staring the Sheffield team in the face, several changes to personnel were forced upon the manager in the hope of retrieving a way back into this contest. And with only a few minutes gone in the second period salvation was in sight for Sheffield as a right wing substitute latched on to a fine through ball and bore down on the Leeds goal. From here with Leeds defenders in close attendance the tricky winger was able to squeeze in a fine shot on the run from the edge of the area past the despairing dive of Dan Clayton and into the Leeds goal to bring the score back to 2-1.

This breakthrough altered the whole complexion of the game as now Sheffield with their tales up laid siege on the Leeds goal. Goalkeeper Dan Clayton however, was in imperious form as on several occasions he was called upon to thwart many goal bound efforts that came his way, one of which drew gasps of approval from home supporters as he threw himself at a point blank right foot strike from only six yards out. In front of him there were also some other notable heroic performances particularly Josh Robson, Liam Marshall and Odun Obebe who time after time made superb clearing headers and last ditch tackles to frustrate the marauding Sheffield forwards.

Then with only minutes left Leeds at last broke from their shackles to mount one last serious assault, Liam Marshall once again breaking down a Sheffield attack found a good pass that saw Ben Joyce free on the left. From here the left winger progressed forward and delivered a fine pass to Reece Fennel in the area who rounded the keeper but who was then mercilessly felled in the area by a Sheffield defenders clumsy challenge. A penalty kick was awarded and Jamie Lloyd stepped up to clinically shoot right footed past the keeper and into the corner of the net.

The game seemed all but over for the brave Sheffield boys who to their credit were down but definitely not out. Straight from the restart a reply would be needed and in true cup tie fashion that’s exactly what happened. A clever through ball for once caught the Leeds rear-guard cold and first to react a Sheffield forward met the bouncing ball on the full to hit a fine strike over Dan Clayton who was helpless as he turned to see the ball hit the back of the Leeds net.

What a finale was in store as Leeds nervously restarted with one eye on the clock. Then once again Sheffield gained back possession to mount one last attack on the Leeds goal. Everything was thrown forward and with seconds left another superb through ball saw a Sheffield striker challenging with Leeds defenders in the penalty area. The striker desperate to reach the ball tussled 50/50 with the Leeds defence before falling heavily to the ground. PENALTY! Screamed the visiting army as all eyes fell on the referee who agonisingly for Leeds pointed to the spot.

What an ending were Leeds going to be robbed of victory at the last. Up stepped the Sheffield penalty taker, who nervously took two steps before aiming his shot hard and low but straight into the waiting grasp of goalkeeping hero Dan Clayton who read the spot-kick brilliantly.

The home support went wild and were still celebrating when the referee put his whistle to his lips for the last time to call a end to this epic and memorable cup tie.

Well Done boys and Congratulations to the coaching staff another fantastic final to look forward to.

Whitley Bay – The Tour

April 13th 2007

 

Leeds A   1      Wigan  1 

 

The pitch was shrouded in mist for the final game of the tour. The hectic football schedule, excellent itinerary and very late nights were expected to take their toll on the boys as they looked to continue their impressive unbeaten run against a strong Wigan side.

 

Leeds started the stronger and with Ben Joyce and Reece Fennell linking well with good movement they were causing problems for the Wigan defence. The first chance fell to Will Boyle who saw his header raise over the bar from a Liam Marshall cross. Although Leeds were ahead on possession the Wigan defence were resolute and determined to weather the storm. Leeds forced numerous corners but the only chance fell to Ben Joyce who saw his shot well saved.

 

The best chance of the half was created when a Reece Fennell run shaped out a chance for Will Boyle but his shot crashed back off the cross bar. Wigan were spurred in to action and attacked on the break only for Luke Porritt to cover back and clear with an excellent tackle. Given the amount of possession and number of chances Leeds should have been in front, but with the Wigan defence in fine form the first half ended goal-less. Half-time Leeds 0 Wigan 0.

 

Both management teams had the half-time break to make some changes in personnel and tactics but mainly pep up the weary legs for the last half of the week’s football. Leeds again started on top and Reece Fennell continued to trouble the Wigan defence. Ben Joyce also had a long-range effort which sailed over the bar.

 

From a Leeds perspective the key moment of the match was when midfield battler and tireless runner Liam Marshall had to leave the field with an ankle injury. Wigan saw their chance and whilst Leeds were re-organising took the lead. There was no way that the Leeds team deserved to be behind and showed the strength of character to bounce back. Jamie Lloyd broke down the right but saw his cross cut out well by the Wigan keeper. The equaliser did come, Ben Joyce found space to break down the right and gained a free kick when the Wigan defender handballed as he pressurised him. Reece Fennell stepped up and after glancing to see the keeper off his line, dispatched the kick high in to the top corner for a quality goal.

 

Further chances fell to Leeds in the dying minutes as both Ben Joyce and Reece Fennell had opportunities to clinch it. Full-time Leeds 1 Wigan 1

 

Based on chances and possession, Leeds probably deserved to win, but the Wigan team was well organised and competed well in what was the most competitive and entertaining game of the weak. Who needs sleep!!

 

Whitley Bay festival of football

Thursday 12th April

Woking 0  Leeds A 1

 

Day two of the festival saw Leeds A paired with Woking in what turned out to be the least entertaining match of the tournament.

 

It was clear that Leeds were the better side technically, but the hard uneven ground favoured Woking’s physical game. As a result most of the action took place in the middle third of the field,  possession  ‘to-ing and throwing’ as misplaced pass followed miss-timed tackle.

 

There were pockets of good play from both sides, the first coming from Leeds down the left wing,Luke Poritt, Ben Joyce and Will Boyle linking well to create a chance for Joyce but again the hard ground effecting the game and Ben, unable to make clean contact, saw his shot fly wide of the left post.

 

Ten minutes later good play down the right wing by Connor Gilboy found Will boyle on the edge of the Woking area, he was able to switch play and again release Ben Joyce who this time made no mistake with his finish and scored what proved to be the winning goal with a low shot in the right corner.

 

The second half had few incidents of note. Woking had one chance when they beat the Leeds off-side trap but the danger was soon cleared when Daniel Clayton dashed thirty yards from his goal to sweep up. In the dying minutes a scramble in the Leeds area could have resulted in a Woking equaliser but the ball was eventually cleared by Joe Boylan and much to everyone’s relief the final whistle followed.

 

 

April 11th 2007

 

Leeds A   4     Dover 1 

 

The Whitley Bay sun was shining brightly for the first day of the North Tyneside Schools Festival when Leeds took the field against their far travelled opponents.

 

The game started brightly for Leeds with two forceful runs down the left from Ben Joyce. Dover however took the lead when a long throughball was met cleanly from outside of the box and the long range effort looped over Lewis Copeland in goal. Leeds however responded quickly when a Liam Marshall pass picked out Reece Fennell whose pace drew the Dover keeper and although his shot was heading wide, Jamie Lloyd had anticipated the situation and scored with a neat finish.

 

The Leeds team were now in full flow and dominating possession to create a series of chances. Reece Fennell was thwarted twice by the goalie and Will Boyle saw a shot narrowly miss the target. The second goal looked inevitable and when Joe Boylan found space down the left wing he had time to pick out Will Boyle for a well struck finish.

 

The relentless Leeds pressure continued, Jamie Lloyd saw his chip well saved, Liam Marshall met a Reece Fennell corner with a header only to see it also well saved, and a Ben Joyce free kick was just wide.  Half-time Leeds 2 Dover 1

 

The second half started as the first ended with Leeds in control. The third goal soon followed when the Dover keeper spilled a speculative lob from Will Boyle and Reece Fennell was on hand to score.

 

The Leeds defence had a scare when a pass back to goalkeeper, Lewis Copeland resulted in a mix up and when Dover threatened to score Luke Porritt was on hand to clear off the line. Despite the scare normal service was soon resumed and Ben Joyce and Max McCarthy had chances saved before Liam Marshall completed the comprehensive victory with another power header from a Jamie Lloyd corner. Full-time Leeds 4 Dover 1.

 

A great start to the festival with some quality flowing football which would have yielded more goals except for the great performance by the Dover goalkeeper.

 

 

 

Sunderland Academy      4 v 1        Leeds (B)

 

In a game of missed chances, Leeds turned in a creditable performance only to see their hopes of victory dashed by a striker of genuine quality who notched a hat trick of goals and created a fourth for his Academy team-mate. In the main, Leeds matched their opponents’ stride for stride but lacked composure in front of goal and were left to rue a string of missed opportunities in a score that somewhat flattered the Sunderland boys. The Leeds goal, when it came, was a real cracker from Macauley Milburn however this was not enough to prevent the tour from kicking off to a disappointing start.

 

North Tyneside        1 v 1          Leeds (B)

 

The opening day of the ESFA festival of football saw Leeds paired with their counterparts from nearby North Tyneside. Leeds got off to the perfect start, when after only thirty seconds, Matty Ducker saw his speculative shot from fully forty yards out find the net with the North Tyneside keeper seemingly having gone for a seaside stroll. The Leeds performance thereafter lacked any sort of quality and their lead was erased soon after when North Tyneside fired home following a period of sustained pressure. An uninspiring passage of play followed with neither side able to add to their goal tally and with a draw being the fairest possible result.

 

Gloucester     2 v 4          Leeds (B)

 

At long last Leeds gave their supporters something to shout about, turning in a performance of genuine quality against a shell shocked Gloucester side who’s parents seemed to have forgotten the true meaning behind this festival of “friendly” football.  In an outstanding display from back to front, the Leeds lads to a man shone like beacons and again, with a little more composure in front of goal, could have run up a cricket score. A stunning second half hat trick from striker Macauley Milburn was the real highlight with the Leeds fourth coming from Ciaran Mallon. A couple of late consolation goals was the best that an overwhelmed Gloucester side could manage against a strong Leeds defence marshalled superbly as ever by Brad Firn and Callum Gabbett.

 

Leeds (B)      4 v 1 St Helens

 

Leeds rounded off their tour of the North East in fine style with this comprehensive victory over their Merseyside rivals. Leeds goals came from Timmy Hall, Ciaron Mallon and Luke Booker with Adam Latto netting his first for Leeds SFA and his teams fourth, prompting a bizarre celebration from the diminutive left back that saw ‘break-dancing’ meet ‘strictly come dancing’ for the first time ever at a junior football match.

 

Adam, stick to football mate, leave the dancing to your dad!!

 

All in all a truly wonderful tour with fantastic memories for all boys and parents alike. Sincere thanks are extended to Mr Rossiter, Mr Smith, Mr Tonge, Mr Wales, Doc and Jackie Batley for their devotion to Leeds SFA and for making all of this possible.

 

Tuesday 10th April. North East Tour. Under 11s

Sunderland Academy 3 Leeds Schools A 4

Leeds got their North Eastern tour of to an excellent start with a fabulous victory over the Sunderland Under 11s team at the Academy of Light.

Playing on a perfect playing surface but in what were very windy conditions, Leeds set about their task from the first whistle pushing Sunderland deep in to their own half. Early signs looked good for the Leeds boys as they played some attractive passing football that had their hosts back pedalling. Indeed it wasn’t to be too long before Leeds capitalised on their dominance when Liam Marshall in midfield threaded a clever pass to Jake Ward who then played a neat one two with Reece Fennel before driving his shot into the back of the net to make it 0-1.

Having taken the lead, Leeds were unlucky on two further occasions not to increase their advantage when first Max McCarthy saw his excellent floated shot just clear the bar and then minutes later winger Jamie Lloyd sent over a superb cross that found Reece Fennel unmarked on the edge of the area who’s’ first time effort drew of a superb point blank save from the Keeper.

The game was to be split into three 25 min periods and the first break saw some changes in personnel on both sides. Leeds though continued in much the same vein as they did in the first half. Several chances again went begging for the visitors before they finally did extend their lead.

William Boyle who was proving a handful to the Sunderland defence, found himself with the ball on the edge of the area, from here using good feet he evaded two challenges before being clumsily brought to the ground by a Sunderland defender. The referee had no option but to award a penalty. Jamie Lloyd took responsibility for the kick and he made no mistake despatching the ball into the back of the net to make it 0-2.

Leeds looked to be coasting at times and went close to killing the game off when both William Boyle and then Jake Ward went close both using great awareness to create space for themselves before delivering fine strikes both of which cleared the wrong side of the bar.

Sunderland though weren’t out of it yet and they did look dangerous on the break and some of their passing and movement showed what quality they had within their ranks. But it still came as a bit of surprise when they finally got back into the game when after ball lobbed forward a Sunderland striker anticipated first meeting the bounce to direct his header over the head of Dan Clayton in to an empty Leeds goal.

With the Black Cats back in the game the third period saw the visitors pressed back in to their own half for longer periods. However the Leeds defensive centre back paring of Odun Obebe and Josh Robson held solid and from this foundation Leeds once again began to wrestle back their earlier authority.

After weathering the early storm of this third period Leeds broke from their shackles to set up another period of sustained attacking play. From a corner only half cleared by the Sunderland defence the ball found itself at the feet of Fennel on the right who returned a superb right foot cross for Max McCarthy to meet with a superb header that gave the keeper no chance to make it 1-3.

Sunderland though responded almost immediately when a dubious free kick was awarded for foul play. The resultant kick was expertly delivered to a striker on the far post who had the easiest of tasks to reduce the deficit and make it 2-3.

The game now was end to end and with minutes left Leeds almost but made sure when after quality build up play they made it 2-4. Liam Marshall again winning possession fed a pass to Max McCarthy who in turn used great feet to beat of a challenge and deliver a good pass to Reece Fennel who was through on goal. With the keeper to beat and defenders chasing him down Fennel struck his shot the rebound coming off the outstretched leg of the keeper but where William Boyle anticipated brilliantly following up to aim his strike past the helpless shot stopper and into the back of the net.

Sunderland scored a further consolation at the death but Leeds had certainly made their mark with this fine victory