Saturday 10th March Under 11s’ Friendly
Leeds 2 Wigan 2
Leeds possibly had one of their sternest tests of the season when they faced a strong well organised Wigan team in this friendly match.
Early proceedings tended to be scrappy but the Leeds boys were generally on top pushing the Lancastrians deep into their own half. Indeed from an early corner the Whites were unlucky not to have taken an early lead when Reece Fennels delivery came back off the cross bar and fell at the feet of winger Jamie Lloyd who toe poked his effort goal ward but then saw his shot cleared of the line.
This scare seemed to stir the visitors into action and they came back at Leeds with all guns blazing. First clear chance for the away side should have made it 1-0 when with the goal at his mercy a Wigan striker not only served in steering his shot past Dan Clayton but also the wrong side of the upright when in all honesty it seemed odds on that he should score.
But the pendulum had definitely swung in favour of the Wigan outfit as the Leeds team struggled to cope with the passing and movement of their counterparts. So it was no real surprise when halfway through the half Wigan took a deserved lead. From a free kick out on the left a ball swung in found a Wigan forward wide on the right of the penalty area, from here the youngster had time to pick his spot before rifling his shot into the opposite corner of the net.
Wigan were well worth their lead and they continued to pin the home side back as they looked to further increase their advantage. And they were not to wait much longer for their reward when after good approach play down the left, Leeds found themselves short of numbers at the back and once again stealing in at the right hand side a forward collected a cross from the left and linked with a fellow striker to crash in right footed shot to make it 2-0. Half Time 0-2.After some re-organisation and strong words of encouragement from the Leeds coaching staff, the Whites came out for the second half with a renewed fight and determination to their play. Right from the off Leeds took the game to Wigan and after good work from Jake Ward on the right, midfielder Liam Marshall was unlucky to see his right foot volley go just past the post. Then a break through came for the home side when after excellent work from Ben Joyce down the middle the striker saw his shot parried by the keeper but where left winger Joe Boylan was at hand to tap in to make it 2-1.
Now with their tales up Leeds searched for the opening that would put the Whites back on level terms. William Boyle finding space in midfield for Leeds did well to feed a fine ball for Joe Boylan to smash in a left foot shot at the Wigan keeper who could only parry to waiting predator Ben Joyce, who gleefully struck the ball home into an unguarded net to make it 2-2.
Wigan were shell shocked by what had happened to what seemed a comfortable lead and they then responded by laying siege on the Leeds goal.
For Leeds however Dan Clayton in goal was in outstanding form pulling off several brilliant saves. The first of which saw the youngster pull off a wonder stop from an effort struck from only six yards out. Then as the game came to its finale with everything but the kitchen sink thrown at the Leeds goal, Clayton once again pulled off a superb block that almost trickled past the keeper and over the line but where the excellent defender Luke Porritt covered back to clear of the goal line to leave the final score at 2-2
Hull 3 v Leeds ‘B’ 2 - Saturday, 3rd March
Leeds’ valiant efforts to progress through to the next round of the tournament ended in heroic failure on Humberside. Having met each other twice already this season, both sides played an equal part in this thrilling encounter played in front of a large and partisan home crowd.
Hull started strongly however it was Leeds who took an early lead on five minutes when striker Luke Booker, put through by Ben Scargill, rounded the home keeper to send the travelling support into raptures. Stunned by their early setback, Hull bounced straight back, quickly gaining ascendancy in the middle of the park and quite literally throwing everything bar the kitchen sink at the Leeds back four, who, as they have done all season, stood strong in the face of this relentless onslaught. With half time only seconds away, Hull, benefiting from a huge stroke of luck, drew level. A speculative cross from wide out on the right looped over the head of unfortunate Leeds keeper Lewis Copeland before nestling in the corner of the net. A fortunate goal to say the least but not even the most die hard of Leeds supporters could deny that this was precisely what Hull’s bold first half performance had deserved.
The second half continued in similar vein with Hull dominating the midfield exchanges and applying considerable pressure on the Leeds back four. The visitor’s cause was not helped when influential central defender Callum Gabbett was withdrawn from the action having picked up a thigh strain in the early stages of the half. A quick re-shuffle saw the ever- willing midfielder Mitchell Lund drop back to partner powerhouse defender Brad Firn in the centre of defence.
With the game in the balance and entering it’s final stages it was Hull, with two goals in as many minutes, who took a priceless and arguably deserved lead. With time fast running out and with Leeds heading out of the cup, the boys in white responded magnificently, launching attack after attack on a tiring Hull back four.
Ciaran Mallon was desperately unfortunate not to score when his thunderous shot from fully thirty yards was miraculously tipped round the post by the Hull keeper when it seemed certain that the ball would find the back of the net. Undeterred, Mallon did pull one back for Leeds when his sweetly timed left footed drive crashed into the roof of the Hull net with half a dozen or so minutes remaining. Sadly for Leeds though, this was too little too late as the final whistle signalled the end of their cup involvement for this season at least.
The dejection on the faces of the Leeds boys as they trudged off the pitch was clear for all to see. Defeat had been a bitter pill to swallow but, in terms of performance, the lads had done the coaching team and their parents proud and their overriding emotions should be of pride in their achievements rather than disappointment at their loss.
Under 11s A Saturday 3rd March 2007 Friendly Match
St Helens 0 Leeds 6
For the first time this year the Leeds A team were called upon to take the journey west on the M62 and cross the Pennines to face St Helens in a friendly match at Sutton Leisure centre. Due to the heavy rainfall of late the designated pitch was deemed to be unfit for play so the venue was switched to an artificial playing surface.
This match was a return fixture, as the two teams had met earlier in the season at Leeds, the whites running out narrow victors on that occasion. So a tough contest was anticipated with the home side eager to seek revenge.
Leeds however are in a rich vein of form and this showed from the very first whistle to the last as the visitors notched up six unanswered goals in a fairly one sided contest.
The first goal came early on when midfield playmaker Jake Ward found himself in space on the edge of the area to skilfully hit a swerving shot with the outside of his right foot, the ball beating the outstretched dive of the Saints keeper and ending up in the right hand corner of the net. Then it was nearly two when from a left sided corner delivered by Reece Fennel fellow striker William Boyle rose highest to deliver a header that was cleared off the line by a well positioned Saints defender.
Then Ben Joyce who the previous week suffered a sickening clash of heads at Chester Le Street was happily fully fit again taking up his part in the team, cleverly lifting the ball over the Saints defence leaving Reece Fennel with a clear run in on the St Helens goal to slot in goal number two. Half Time 0-2
The second period again saw Leeds dominating possession and dictating play. But it was from a weak goal kick that the visitors were able to extend their advantage; Fennel quickly intercepting the scuffed delivery and supplying winger Jamie Lloyd who was free on the edge of the area to drill his shot past the Saints keeper to make it 3-0.
A feature of the Leeds play was how they were able to build from the back as again Odun Obebe, Spencer Lund and in the second period Josh Robson were in majestic form sweeping up any Saints attack and then supplying good ball to their team mates. Also full backs Joe Boylan and Connor Gilboy were always in support of any attacking play the latter unlucky not to register on the score card himself when he saw his right foot shot from distance just clear the crossbar.
At dead ball situations Leeds continued to reak havoc and again William Boyle once again was unlucky when his header from a corner beat everyone only for his effort to hit the post.
Soon however the fourth goal was registered when again Reece Fennel showed good pace down the right delivering a fine cross to the far post where Ben Joyce unselfishly dinked the ball back to William Boyle who unmarked had the easiest of tasks to tap in from close range.
Then Reece Fennel got his second goal and Leeds’ fifth when receiving a throw from Connor Gilboy, midfielder Liam Marshall showed good feet to deliver a ball into the danger area where the livewire Fennel reacted quickest to drill the ball into the back of the net.
To complete the rout Leeds again showed quality when on the ball when Max McCarthy doing well on the right, cleverly beat a retreating defender to deliver a fine ball to Jamie Lloyd in the six yard box. With his back to goal and closely marked Lloyd then fed the ball back to Liam Marshall on the edge of the area, who struck a fine right footed drive that the keeper did well to get his hands to but couldn’t prevent the ball from hitting the back of the net. Final Score 0-6
February 24th 2007
Chester le Street 0 Leeds A 2
Leeds A maintained their 100% record in 2007 by recording their 7th win in a row away at Chester le Street. The rain had put the match in doubt, but the morning was fine and although the pitch was a little soggy in places it didn’t affect the quality of the football as the Leeds team turned in one of their most comprehensive performances of the season so far.
From the kick off Leeds started to dominate and attacked freely down both wings with both Luke Porritt and Jamie Lloyd exploiting space to get behind the Chester le Street defence. From one attack down the right, Will Boyle was judged to have been pushed and the referee awarded a penalty. Jamie Lloyd stepped up to dispatch the ball in to the net, but at least three Leeds players had encroached in to the box and the penalty had to be retaken. Unfortunately the keeper saved Lloyd’s second attempt.
Max McCarthy was leading the line and had a shot well saved before turning provider when he released Jamie Lloyd down the right. The defence could not handle Lloyd’s pace and when he was unlucky to see his shot rebound off the post, Will Boyle was on hand to score.
The Leeds defence has started to gel in to a formidable unit and although Chester le Street worked hard and had a big physical presence the full backs, Conor Gilboy and Joe Boylan, and the centre backs, Josh Robson and Odun Obebe dealt with everything effectively preventing Dan Clayton in goal having to make a save throughout.
From the solid base, the Leeds team mounted further attacks and Jake Ward and Luke Porritt had chances to increase the lead but both were off target. Half-time Chester le Street 0 Leeds 2.
The second half saw the appearance of substitute Ben Joyce, but barely two minutes in to the half Joyce had a severe clash of heads with a Chester le Street player resulting in him remaining on the ground. Given the nature of the injury a paramedic and ambulance were called and after some treatment at the pitch Joyce was taken to hospital for a scan and observation. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
After a delay of 30 minutes the match resumed and to their credit the Leeds team carried on where they had left off. Chances were being created on a regular basis, Max McCarthy was unlucky with a volley that was just wide, Jamie Lloyd shot wide, Jake Ward saw his shot saved and Will Boyle’s header cleared the cross bar.
Leeds were dominant and had lots of possession but on a sticky surface could not turn it in to clear cut chances. Chester le Street did well to contain Leeds, but struggled to mount any form of attack. The Leeds chances continued, midfield battler Liam Marshall revelled in the mud winning possession and setting up attack after attack. Conor Gilboy had the opportunity to push forward and was unlucky with a double chance seeing his first shot blocked and second just wide.
As the game entered its final few minutes a scramble in the box saw chances to Jake Ward and Liam Marshall but neither could force the ball over the line. Just as it looked like Leeds would have to settle for a solitary goal, Liam Marshall popped up with a shot that was blocked on the line and Max McCarthy followed up to score with the last kick of the match. Full-time Chester le Street 0 Leeds 2.
The scoreline does not reflect how the Leeds team dominated the game throughout. On a difficult pitch the quality of the play was superb and with a little more luck the number of chances and amount of possession would have translated in to more goals. On another day the team will not play as well and probably win by a bigger margin.
Bassetlaw ‘B’ 1 v Leeds ‘B’ 3 Saturday 17th Febraury
Despite not being at their fluent best, Leeds still proved too strong for their spirited opponents from Nottinghamshire in a match that never really came to life until it’s closing stages.
In a somewhat lack lustre and forgettable first half performance, Leeds failed to gain any real momentum, their attacks lacked penetration and far too often the final pass did not reach its intended target. Leeds best and only chance of note came as the half time whistle neared when Matt Ducker struck the home side’s left hand upright with a rasping strike from what must have been fully twenty five yards out.
With steam blowing out his ears the Doc marched towards his charges to arguably deliver his most important team talk since the turn of the year. Whatever the Doc ‘prescribed’ clearly did the trick as the boys in white, with the threat of detention and lines hanging over their heads, put in a second half display, rich in passion, determination and classical attacking play.
Leeds started brightly and having gained the ascendancy in the middle of the pitch launched a series of swift attacks on the Bassetlaw goal. Despite Leeds’ early dominance it was the home side who almost took the lead when centre half Brad Firn somehow cleared off the line following confusion in the Leeds defence.
After ten minutes it was Leeds who almost took a deserved lead when Adam Latto unleashed a tremendous long range shot which thundered against the Bassetlaw cross bar. Undeterred, Leeds pushed forward and two minutes later their ambition was rewarded when a low cross from the left by Ducker was calmly slotted home by Jake Clifford. Within a matter of seconds the lead was doubled when Leeds striker Macaulay Milburn showed great footwork in a crowded defence before scoring the goal that he had largely fashioned himself.
Leeds however like to keep their spectators on the edge of their seats and from the resulting kick off they allowed their opponents back into the game when the home teams striker reacted first to a loose ball in the Leeds penalty area to prod home from close range. With the game now in the balance and with only minutes remaining, Leeds netted their third and ultimately decisive goal. An incisive pass from Milburn put Ducker through with only the home keeper to beat and beat him is exactly what he did as Ducker finished with real composure.
This was truly a game of two halves but ultimately an excellent result for Leeds and precisely what the Doc had ordered, especially with the all-important clash against Hull looming large on the horizon.
Saturday, 17th February
The Under 11s’ Green Un’ Cup Semi Final
Bassetlaw 1 Leeds 5
It was Green Un Cup Semi Final day and Leeds were once again drawn to play away in this competition, this time travelling south to the district of Bassetlaw in North Nottinghamshire.The venue was a school on the outskirts of Worksop and although the pitch looked a little bit on the small side the playing surface looked in particularly good fettle.
The Leeds boys started the game with a flourish keeping good possession and pinning their hosts back in their own half. The visitors were looking sleek and sharp in the early exchanges and after a glorious passage of play they took an early lead. A total of seven passes were involved in the build up culminating in left back Joe Boylan showing good vision and finding William Boyle in midfield who then fed Luke Porritt on the left flank. From here the winger then delivered a fine cross where striker Reece Fennel saw his goal bound effort blocked only for it to fall to fellow attacker Max McCarthy who finished the move clinically, burying his effort into the far corner of the net.
After this early setback the Bassetlaw boys responded well enjoying a period of attacking play that had the Yorkshire lads looking vulnerable at times. Indeed from the first corner awarded to the home team an equaliser should have materialised when an unmarked striker in the six yard box only served in blazing his first time effort over the Leeds crossbar. However the home side were not to wait much longer to register a leveller, when again from a corner over on the left, a ball launched into the danger area found its way to the edge of the penalty box where a Bassetlaw player struck sweetly a right foot shot giving Dan Clayton in the Leeds goal no chance.
Leeds looked a bit rattled and were being drawn into physical scrappy battle as space was very tight especially in midfield areas. Every ball was being contested and both sides only served in cancelling each other out.
As the first period entered its latter stages though Leeds began to step up a gear forcing the home side back into their own half. A series of corners were awarded to the visitors one of which saw Liam Marshall connect with a header that flew just over the bar then Luke Porritt going close rifling a shot from wide on the left hitting the side netting.
Then in open play Leeds gained possession through Liam Marshall who then found William Boyle in space and from here the midfield playmaker showed good feet and delivered a fine through ball that saw Reece Fennel hit the target shooting past the keeper into the back of the net.
After going behind a second time Bassetlaw again showed their fighting qualities searching for an equaliser but they found that Leeds centre back pairing Josh Robson and Odun Obebe were in fine form sweeping up any threat that came their way. Half Time 1-2.
Leeds started the second period with Jake Ward and Jamie Lloyd introduced to the flanks and Spencer Lund drafted into hold things up in the centre back position. The game itself kicked off and seemed to step up a gear although few chances were being created. Tackles were flying in from either side with no chance of gaining a breather.
As the game ran into its final quarter both sides were still giving their all, Leeds searching to finish off the game and Bassetlaw looking for an equaliser. But it was the Yorkshire side who delivered the final killer goal when right winger Jamie Lloyd produced a piece of individual brilliance to score a wonder goal. The move started with the impressive Connor Gilboy gaining possession in his own half who then found Liam Marshall in midfield. From here the ball found its way up to Reece Fennel who cleverly fed Jamie Lloyd who was on the run being closely followed by a Bassetlaw defender. The flying winger did well to hold of the challenge before unleashing a superb strike from well outside the area that flew over the keeper and into the far corner of the net.
Leeds were now looking in a very strong position to get into their first final and this was all but confirmed with only 10 minutes left when Max McCarthy latched on to a loose ball outside the home sides penalty area to unleash another fantastic right foot strike that flew into the top corner of the net to make it 4-1.
Soon after Leeds almost added a fifth when Ben Joyce saw his right foot half volley clear the bar, but then from a corner delivered by Jamie Lloyd Leeds capped of a great win when Liam Marshall timed his run to perfection to head the fifth and final goal into the Bassetlaw net.
There were some great performances from both sides in this game and the scoreline didn’t really reflect what a fantastic tussle this game was. From a Leeds point of view this was a great team performance, arguably the best of the season so far and where each and every player gave off 110% if not more.
Saturday 3rd February
Leeds A 5 Rother Valley 2
It was a calm and sunny morning for Rother Valley’s visit to St Theresa’s for the Yorkshire Cup Quarter Final.
Leeds started brightly with Jake Ward and Reece Fennell working together well to release Ben Joyce, but his shot was saved by the Rother Valley keeper. Further chances soon followed with Joe Boylan and Ben Joyce causing problems from the left and gaining two successive corners. From the second Leeds opened their account. Reece Fennell swung it in right footed and Jake Ward was on hand at the far post to score with a neat finish. The second goal soon followed when Ben Joyce bravely picked out Liam Marshall whose surging run allowed him the space to find Reece Fennell for the goal.
Going two goals down seemed to spur Rother Valley in to action and they pushed forward with a little more purpose. From one attack Leeds conceded a free kick and when the high ball was floated across the Leeds team froze allowing Rother Valley a chance which was cleared off the line by Josh Robson. At the other end Liam Marshall sent Ben Joyce through but he hit both posts with the same shot and was unlucky not to score. Rother Valley did score from another free kick that was again floated nicely and the indecision from Leeds allowed a header at the far post. Half-time Leeds 2 Rother Valley 1
Leeds were playing in to the sun in the second half and quickly got in to their stride when substitute William Boyle showed good control and vision to set up Spencer Lund but he saw his shot saved. Rother Valley though responded quickly and created two chances a shot just over and a header from a corner that was just wide.
The Rother Valley team were competing in the middle and testing the resilience of the Leeds team. The third goal was an end to end move starting with Odun Obebe’s strong tackle and pass to Will Boyle whose strong run down the left ended with him passing to Jake Ward who got some height on his shot to score. The fourth goal was also a counter attack with Josh Robson and Liam Marshall battling to win possession before Spencer Lund and Will Boyle linked well to set up Reece Fennell for a close range finish. Fennell turned provider for the fifth when his neat header set up Will Boyle to finish with a left foot shot from distance.
At 5-1 down the Rother Valley team were still challenging and did get a second when a forward dispossessed the Leeds defence and although there was a hint of offside neatly finished from the breakaway. Rother Valley could have had a third just before the end when they hit the post from a free kick. Full-time Leeds 5 Rother Valley 2
Although Leeds ended up comfortable winners it was not one of their best performances in what was a scrappy midfield dominated game. The Leeds goals came at the right times and Rother Valley were a little unlucky not to make the scoreline closer. All in all though a satisfactory win and the lads can now look forward to another semi-final against either Sheffield or York.
Leeds ‘B’ 3 v 1 East Riding ‘A’ 3rd February
Leeds, on a fine run of form since the turn of the year, started somewhat cautiously and were immediately put on the back foot by an East Riding side seemingly brimming with confidence. It was very much against the run of play when Leeds took the lead after five minutes. A defence splitting ball put Macauley Milburn through on goal and with great composure Milburn slotted home past the advancing opposition keeper.
With the early morning cobwebs now blown away, Leeds had now settled into a lovely rhythm and began to treat their supporters to the high calibre of passing football to which they are fast becoming accustomed. On ten minutes Leeds were awarded a clear penalty when striker Milburn was felled by the East Riding keeper in the penalty area. Up stepped in form striker Luke Booker to calmly convert to make it two-nil to the home side.
Within a matter of seconds though the Leeds lead was halved when their old nemesis returned to haunt them. Whilst defending tremendously well in open play, Leeds have struggled at the set piece all season and when East Riding were awarded a corner, the inevitable happened. A menacing corner from the right created havoc in the Leeds defensive ranks before the ball was nodded home from close range.
Undeterred by this set back, Leeds pressed hard as they strived to regain their two- goal cushion. With half time approaching, Leeds notched their third when the effervescent Booker was quickest to react to a cross from the left before riffling home past the stranded East Riding number one. The score line read three-one to Leeds but there had been nothing between the sides and East Riding could consider themselves somewhat unfortunate to enter the half time break two goals in arrears.
The second half simply flew by as East Riding attempted to wipe out the deficit and Leeds, on the other hand pushed for the fourth goal that would have sealed the match. The visitors’ best efforts however were thwarted by a solid home defence, expertly marshalled by skipper Brad Firn and ably supported by his team mates Callum Gabbett, Adam Latto, Louis Smith and Mitchell Lund who battled like a tiger for every loose ball. Unfortunately for the sizeable crowd that had amassed on the touchline there were no further goals as both teams in effect cancelled the other one out.
A three-one result was tremendous reward for the Leeds lads who to a man had battled from the first minute to the last and who have now extended their winning run to five consecutive matches.
Derby 2 v Leeds B 4 Saturday 27th January
On a dreadful pitch, Leeds started with the advantage of a serious slope and gusting wind in their favour. It didn't take long for the visitors to continue where they had left off the previous week when, after only five minutes, speedy Luke Booker calmly slotted past the advancing home keeper to make it one nil to the boys in white and blue. One quickly became two when Ben Scargill, showing good strength in the Derby penalty area, unleashed a powerful shot past a hapless keeper whose only involvement in the game up to this stage had been to twice retrieve the ball from the back of his net. It was one way traffic as Leeds threatened to run up a cricket score against a shell shocked home team. The third came soon after when Booker netted again, this time reacting quickest to prod in from close range when the home keeper spilled a Leeds corner from the right. With ten minutes still remaining Leeds made it four when Macaulay Milburn's deflected shot floated over the home keeper and into the Derby goal. Leeds scintillating attacking play had simply mesmerised their opponents for whom the half time break could not come soon enough.
The second half saw a spirited fightback from the Derby boys who used the slope and the elements to good effect. The fight back began after ten minutes when a terrific but perhaps speculative shot from at least twenty five yards sailed over returning Leeds keeper Lewis Copelands' head and into the visitors net. Spurred on by their success Derby took the fight to Leeds and two minutes later halved the half time deficit when a seemingly harmless shot was carried by a strong gust of wind into the roof of the Leeds net to make it 2-4. As Derby had done in the first half, Leeds themselves looked shell shocked as they struggled to cope with an ever improving home side. To their credit though, the Leeds boys rolled their sleeves up as they have done all season as they looked for their fifth goal which would have surely sealed the result. This was not to come however as Derby, aided by some questionnable off side decisions and some resilient defending, stood firm in the face of some considerable pressure from the Leeds lads.
All in all a good performance from Leeds who were full value for their victory. The boys have won their last four matches and are playing with real confidence which is great to see. There are some tough looking fixtures on the horizon however and they must keep their feet firmly on the floor if their great run of form is to continue!
Under 11s West Yorkshire Cup Sat 27th January 2007
Leeds 2 (4) Barnsley 2 (2) (after extra-time)
In what were perfect conditions on a bright sunny morning, Leeds played host to a tough but a very well organised Barnsley side in the West Yorkshire Cup.
Before going into this match and looking back on recent results the boys from Leeds were in a rich vein of form and were tipped as favourites to progress into the next round.
Indeed all the early approach play from Leeds backed up this opinion as the home-side set about their task with some accurate, neat passing football. The Barnsley boys though were a tough nut to crack as they defended resolutely giving the Leeds attack little sight of goal.
Spencer Lund operating in midfield for Leeds had the first clear effort on target but his snapshot was dealt with well by the Barnsley keeper. Then left winger Luke Porritt did well carving out a fine run down the flank he then delivered a fine ball into the penalty area where the danger was cleared at the expense of a corner. This lead to a passage of play where the Barnsley defence were put under further severe scrutiny as several more corners were to follow each one expertly converted by Reece Fennel but where only Max McCarthy came close directing a close in volley just over the bar.
Barnsley weathered the storm and it was inevitable that at some point that the boys from South Yorkshire would enjoy some period of attacking play of their own. But no one watching would have expected that after the first serious attack on the Leeds goal that the visitors would take in a half time lead. The goal itself came after good approach play, Barnsley winning possession in their own half the ball cleverly worked out to the left flank where unopposed the winger took the ball forward to deliver a fine ball into the area where a back pedalling home defence could do little to stop a fine drive that gave Dan Clayton in the Leeds goal no chance. H/T 0-1.The shock of conceding the late first half goal seemed to have instilled an unsettling effect on the Leeds team, as Barnsley took the game once more to their hosts. After being awarded their first corner of the game the visitors took further advantage of the home sides knocked confidence and indecision by scoring their second goal of the game converting a well delivered ball that again gave Dan Clayton no chance to make it 2-0.
Leeds were definitely rattled by recent events and their usual composed approach deserted them for a while. Indeed the Barnsley team looked comfortable with their two goal advantage as they cleverly broke down play and looked to further increase their advantage by hitting the struggling home side on the break.
Leeds however continued to battle and work hard in wrestling back some of the authority they enjoyed earlier in the game. The clock though continued to work against the home side and as the game came to its closing stages a goal was desperately needed. With only 9 mins left to salvage something, Liam Marshall raced forward and found Reece Fennel in space down the right wing. From here the striker took the ball forward before unleashing a fine cross that saw Ben Joyce who was closely marked, cleverly steal in to bundle the ball in to make it 2-1.
What a difference a goal makes all of a sudden their was light at the end of the tunnel. Messrs Tongue, Rossiter & Smith switched tactics and switched the formation to just three at the back, four in the middle and three up front. Barnsley were now on the back foot and were clinging on for dear life throwing everything into the challenge. One such challenge though was ruled to be unlawful and Fennel was over like a flash to prepare his delivery of the in-direct free kick. Barnsley had every player behind the ball guarding their goal. The dead ball kick though was clinical, expertly delivered over to the far right hand post where Jake Ward brilliantly positioned himself to send his header back across the goal and into the far corner of the net. F/T 2-2.Leeds were now brimming with confidence as they set about the extra period of play with a new found energy. Barnsley however were holding up well particularly the Keeper who was outstanding on several occasions particularly when thwarting Reece Fennel when clear through on two occasions.
The second period of extra time though saw the home team through to the next round when first of all after good build up play, Luke Porritt crossed brilliantly from the left where again Jake Ward intelligently read the situation to steal in and score to make it 3-2. Then to seal a fantastic comeback the best goal of the game was created when back in defence Leeds counter attacked when Connor Gilboy used fantastic feet to beat three challenges then deliver a fine ball to Jake Ward who then found Reece Fennel again on the right. Fennel then looked up and crossed to an unmarked Ben Joyce who’s well driven shot could only be parried by the keeper but where William Boyle was at hand to steer the ball into the empty net. 4-2 aet
In the end a well deserved but hard earned victory for the boys in white.
Saturday 20th January
Leeds A 5 Sheffield A 0
Following the excellent performance at Hull in the Green ‘Un Cup last week, Leeds A returned to West Yorkshire League action against Sheffield. A late change of venue saw the match take place at Rodillian School on cold and very windy morning.
In the first half Leeds were playing in to the wind and coped excellently in very difficult conditions. Sheffield had the first meaningful shot from long range but Dan Clayton got down well to save. Leeds soon got in to their stride and opened their account when a powerful run and cross from Ben Joyce found Max McCarthy in the box and his touch allowed Reece Fennell to finish from close range. This was the 100th goal of the season for the Leeds School’s U11 teams.
Although Leeds were clearly the stronger side, the wind did allow Sheffield to gain some momentum and possession but they did not really trouble the Leeds goal. Spencer Lund in a central midfield role was outstanding and with his tireless running seemed to be everywhere -breaking down attacks and creating opportunities for Leeds to break. Reece Fennell and Max McCarthy were getting space to run and Leeds were unlucky not to score again. Half-time Leeds 1 Sheffield 0.
Sheffield (and the wind) had managed to contain in the first half, but the Leeds superior quality and passing game soon caused them problems in the second. Reece Fennell was the provider, when from deep in his own half he picked out Ben Joyce on the half way line. Joyce still had plenty to do but the defence were no match for his pace and he coolly slotted past the goalkeeper.
Jake Ward and Spencer Lund both went wide with a good shots and Reece Fennell had a long range shot saved well as Leeds started to dominate. The third goal soon followed when a Liam Marshall long range effort swirled in the wind and when the keeper failed to deal with it Jake Ward was on hand to score from close in.
The Sheffield defence were struggling to clear their lines against the wind and were becoming more and more demoralised against a relentless Leeds unit. The fourth goal though did have a touch of good fortune when a goal kick only reached Reece Fennell at the edge of the box. Fennell’s contact was not great but he did get enough on it for the wind to curl it in at the far post despite a despairing effort from the keeper.
The fifth goal also came from a Sheffield goal kick. It was a swirling ball that Will Boyle did well to control and his neat pass found Reece Fennell who made no mistake for his hat-trick.
Overall an excellent performance in difficult conditions and one that sees the Leeds team still proudly unbeaten at the top of the West Yorkshire League and well placed to contend for the title with 4 games to go.
Leeds (B) 2 v East Cleveland 1
20th Janaury 2007
Leeds came from behind to gain their third victory in as many games since the arrival of the New Year.
With a strong wind at their backs, Leeds started the first period slowly, their play lacking its usual passion, determination and direction. Failing to take advantage of the inclement weather that was undoubtedly in their favour, Leeds fell behind after ten minutes when an East Cleveland corner was headed goal wards before taking a cruel deflection off Leeds defender Callum Gabbett, past stranded keeper Danny Wright and into the back of the Leeds net. As if stung into action, Leeds pressed hard for the equaliser however their attacks lacked penetration and the visitors were largely able to withstand all that Leeds threw at them.
The second period saw the home side turn round into the teeth of an ever- increasing gale but to their credit they knuckled down and after a spell of concerted pressure scored the equaliser that their much-improved performance had deserved when Matt Ducker’s partly struck left foot shot bobbled over the body of the sprawling East Cleveland keeper. The game was now there for the taking however strong defending by both defences ensured that the scores were level as the game entered its final and most crucial phase.
With both sides pressing hard for victory, chances were scarce as defences on both stood strong in the face of increasing pressure from their adversaries. It was East Cleveland however who thought they had stolen the game when, mid way through the final period, a visiting player poked the ball home from close range only to see his effort correctly ruled out by the referee for offside. Finally, with ten minutes remaining it was Leeds who clinched victory when Ben Scargill riffled into the net from an acute angle, much to the delight of his ecstatic team- mates and manager.
After a lethargic start, Leeds had really rolled their sleeves up and were full value for their victory. They are becoming a difficult team to beat and having fallen behind in two recent games, have shown a ‘never say die attitude’ when coming back to win on both occasions. Keep it up boys….you’re doing great!
Saturday 13th January G‘Un 2nd Round Under 11s Hull 1 Leeds 2
Leeds were on their travels once again this time making their way to the east coast where they faced a very strong Hull side in the second round of the Green Un cup. Due to the recent downpours experienced over the last couple of weeks the match venue was switched to an artificial playing surface, a decision that left the visiting coaching staff a little concerned. The Leeds camp were already expecting this to be the toughest challenge of the season so far as the team from the Humber had a fearsome reputation and were the winners of this competition last year.
Any concerns though were soon put to bed as the team in white set about the task put before them with a scintillating display of attacking football. Right from the first whistle the movement and passing of the Leeds side had their hosts desperately defending deep within their own half. The football was fantastic from the visitors and the Hull team were pressured into giving away several corners. From one such delivery the ball was only half cleared to the edge of the area where Liam Marshall was waiting to deliver a fine swerving shot that had the Hull keeper scrambling to save brilliantly and push past the post.
Then it was William Boyle who was to go close when from open play Reece Fennel won possession and fed Boyle with a well delivered pass that saw the midfielder strike first time only to see his shot go narrowly wide. Then from another foray forward Fennel once again turned provider this time Jake Ward meeting the ball on the volley only to see his effort also go just past the woodwork.
Then at last the breakthrough finally came when the persistence of Reece Fennel finally paid off, this time stealing the ball from the feet of a Hull Defender he advanced forward to coolly slot the ball past the keeper to give the visitors a well deserved lead.
Leeds continued to press after this breakthrough but through some heroics from the Hull keeper the score remained at 1-0. Chance after chance went by for Leeds and as the half time whistle was about to blow defender Connor Gilboy received a pass out wide from Liam Marshall. From here Gilboy took the ball forward and sent a fine pass down the right where Jamie Lloyd took up possession. The right winger then took the ball and sped forward toward the Hull goal and from just inside the right hand side of the Hull penalty area he let fly with a superb right footed strike that gave the Hull keeper no chance.
Leeds were good value for their two goal half time lead but the interval proved to be a chance for the beleaguered home side to re-group. From the off Hull constructed their first raid on the Leeds Penalty area gaining their first corner. Now it was time for the away side to enjoy some reward as Leeds increasingly found themselves on the back-foot. A free kick given away by the visitors was quickly taken by the Hull side and the resulting delivery found their centre forward bearing down on goal where he only had Dan Clayton in goal to beat to make it 2-1.
These were now anxious times for the Leeds side, however the Leeds defence held firm and were in fine form where in particular Fidele Kayij and Josh Robson were solid at the heart of the back four.
Leeds though weren’t finished as an attacking force and were unlucky not to increase their advantage on a couple of occasions, when first Jake Ward cleverly put through Luke Porritt who shot just wide and then soon after Ben Joyce did well to supply Max McCarthy who met the ball with a superb long range effort that just cleared the wrong side of the crossbar.
Finally the final whistle blew and Leeds had recorded a memorable and well deserved victory over the cup holders.
Leeds 'B' 2 v Felling Schools 1 6th Janaury 2007
In their first match of the New Year, Leeds gained a hard fought but well deserved victory over their spirited counterparts from Gateshead.
The Christmas break appeared to have benefited the Leeds boys who were quickly into their strides however it was Felling who surprisingly took the lead mid way through the first period. With Mitchell Lund lying injured on the floor, Leeds' normally watertight defence, perhaps distracted by the sight of their wounded team mate, allowed a visiting player to nip in un-noticed to fire an unstoppable shot past debutant Leeds keeper Dan (?). Despite their best efforts, Leeds were not able to test their opponents No 1 and went into the break one goal behind.
In the absence of Mr Smith, the half time team talk was delivered by the Doc. Whatever had been said at half time obviously did the trick as the Leeds boys tore into their opponents from the word go. Leeds' efforts were finally rewarded after five minutes when they scored a stunning equaliser. Collecting the ball deep in his own half, left winger Matt Ducker sprinted down the touchline before delivering a cross of pin point accuracy to the waiting Luke Booker whose well timed run and fearless lunge saw him poke the ball home from close range. Leeds were now scenting victory and they didn't have to wait long for their second. Following a short corner on the right, Louis Smith's cross found Ciaron Mallon on the edge of the box. His sweetly timed left foot shot flew over the sprawling Felling keeper and into the net, much to the delight of his Leeds team mates.
Leeds pushed hard for their third however it was Felling who looked the more likely to score as the game neared it's end. Having been largely untroubled for the majority of the game, Leeds defence comprising Brad Firn, Callum Gabbett, Louis Smith and Adam Latto suddenly found themselves under increasing pressure from their visitors but to their credit they battled like true warriors and were able to protect their well earned lead.
A great start to 2007. Long may it continue.
Under 11s’ schools 7-a-side 30th December 2006
Leeds 6 Bradford 0
On a fine but blustery morning at Woodlesford Primary School; Leeds entertained Bradford in the first stage of a National 7-a-side competition.
The game started at a frenetic pace with the Leeds boys in particular looking sharp and up for the challenge that lay ahead.
Indeed the home team soon had their counterparts on the back foot forcing a corner on the right. From the ensuing delivery a goalmouth scramble manifested, but where Leeds forward Ben Joyce reacted quickest to drill a shot into the back of the Bradford net.
Soon after it was two - nil when again in almost identical fashion Leeds increased their lead; again a Reece Fennel corner caused pandemonium in the Bradford ranks. This time Ben Joyce saw his goal bound volley blocked but where midfielder Liam Marshall was on hand to hit the rebound into the net.
Leeds were now in total control and playing some lovely stuff, but as with the first two goals Bradford were unable to cope with a set piece situation. Once again Reece Fennel was the architect delivering a fine cross from the right hand side corner flag, this time Liam Marshall directing his header against the crossbar but where the rebound was to be swept into the back of the net by left sided midfielder Joe Boylan.
In the second period Bradford started better but all attempts at directing a threat on Dan Clayton in the Leeds goal were foiled by the excellent defensive qualities of Fidel Kaydji and Josh Robson. But it was Leeds who were to further extend their lead when good work from Liam Marshall saw him deliver a floated ball forward to Reece Fennel who with his back to goal turned and connected with the ball in mid flight to shoot an unstoppable volley into the back of the Bradford net.
Then Reece Fennel was to get his second and Leeds’ fifth when Connor Gilboy on the right found himself in a good attacking position and from here he picked out a quality ball that found Fennel free on the edge of the area. From here the striker who was slightly of balance and being closed down quickly by the keeper used good judgement to lift the ball over the keepers head and into the unguarded net.
To seal of an emphatic win for Leeds they completed their scoring when Liam Marshall under pressure in midfield cleverly switched play to the wide right where Jamie Lloyd was at hand to take the ball forward and crash a superb shot past the helpless keeper to make the final score 6-0.
To conclude the Leeds boys put on an excellent show of fast and fluent passing football capped off with some fine quality goals that left the coaching staff and parents full of seasonal cheer. Happy New Year to you all!