U15's Results
Leeds 'A' 4 Sheffield 3 17th May 2008
Leeds clinched an amazing treble after this epic encounter at Pocklington which saw Leeds grab victory from the jaws of defeat in an unforgettable last 5 minutes. The boys from the steel city arrived full of confidence after their 5-1 victory over the Leeds B team in the semi-final and with their strikers in prolific form they had every right to be. Indeed it was Sheffield who struck first on 15 minutes, a fumble in the Leeds defence put the Sheffield man away and his right foot shot gave Danny Wright no chance. Cup final nerves were definitely playing their part early on for Leeds. The outstanding Sam Capitano so reliable in front of goal shot wide of the left hand post after being put in the clear by a Tom Lyman pass on 6 minutes. Once Leeds settled down their game started to flow, Danny Hebditch in central midfield was in majestic form piercing the Sheffield defence with an exhibition of his passing skills. Danny Powell on the right who was looking composed on the ball nearly equalised for Leeds on 20 minutes when his shot from the right had the keeper in all sorts of trouble. Leeds were now well on top and at times it required some desperate defending in the Sheffield penalty area to keep Leeds out. Leeds finally got the equaliser they deserved 5 minutes before half time, after another mad scramble in the penalty area was finally finished off by a left foot shot by Shaun Gibson. Half time 1 -1.
The second half was all Leeds and with the inspirational Rhys Jenkinson on the field they tore into Sheffield from the start. The Sheffield defence were having a torrid time coping with the pace of Jenkinson and Lyman and with Tom Kilbride in superb form at the back the Sheffield strikers were becoming frustrated. The breakthrough finally came when Danny Hebditch made room for himself outside the box and hit a shot high into the top corner which was worthy of winning any final, this was much to the relief of the Leeds following as Leeds had missed a host of earlier second half chances. Surely now there was no way back for Sheffield and the cup was on its way to Leeds. How wrong we were, the Sheffield boys are deadly in front of goal, give them half a chance and the ball's in the net, and that's exactly what happened with 7 minutes to go to send the game into extra time. Full time 2-2.
The first half of extra time was a much more even affair as Sheffield were obviously lifted by the equalising goal. A great moment though for goal keeper Alex Cain who managed to get some cup final action after sitting out the whole of the Yorkshire Cup final on the bench. Alex as per usual didn't let anyone down. The first half ended in stalemate and with only 7½ minutes to go many Leeds parents were contemplating the possibility of the dreaded penalty shoot out, these though were to be the most exciting moments of the season. With 5 minutes to go we were driven to despair once again As Sheffield showed again how clinical they are in front of goal by taking a 3 - 2 lead. The Sheffield celebration certainly suggested that they thought the game was all but over and to be honest so did most of the Leeds contingent. What happened in the last 120 seconds of the game was very reminiscent of Manchester United's 1999 Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, although with most right minded people cheering for Bayern this was a damn sight more pleasing. Leeds won a free kick on the edge of the Sheffield area; Rhys Jenkinson looked like he was going to make a strike on goal but instead chipped the ball onto the head of man of the match Danny Hebditch who dispatched the ball superbly in the corner, blooding his nose in the process. The game restarted with the Sheffield players looking shell shocked and temporarily they lost their shape. Tom Lyman was allowed space down the right and raced towards goal, 30 yards out he hit a high hopeful shot into the penalty area, Micaiah Williams tried to get his head to it but the ball was rising too high, Micaiah's presence distracted the defender behind him who then unfortunately deflected the ball backwards into his own net. The celebrations on the touchline were no different to Thursday night at Carlisle as everyone went crazy, we must feel sympathy for the unfortunate Sheffield defender who must feel terrible, but full marks to Tom Lyman what a decent chap he is, feeling compassion for the unfortunate player Tom decided to claim the goal for himself (not a chance Tom). Final score 4-3.
This was a terrific end to the season with the team once again showing a never say die attitude. It was also tinged with sadness that this was the last game, especially as we have really come together as a team in the closing stages of the season. Well done to every player on the team who made this a memorable spectacle.
Bassetlaw 'A' 0 v Leeds 'A' 3 10th May 2008
What a week for the boys of Leeds, a Cup Final win on Monday a semi-final win on Thursday and now South Yorkshire champions after this second half demolition of Bassetlaw. Leeds again took the field wearing blue socks, is this lucky superstition from the York game? Not that Leeds needed any luck as they were always in control of the match and should have been in front before half time. The boys again showed a lot of maturity by being patient and not panicking when the score was at 0 -0, they also showed bags of character by working so hard in trying conditions, (sweltering heat on an energy sapping pitch). Nobody worked harder than Lucas Smedley playing wide left, not a player who always grabs the headlines but a player which every team needs, one who is willing to play anywhere and work his socks off for the good of the team. With Lucas playing well and left back Lewis Hirst also in good form, Bassetlaw were getting no space down the Leeds left. Jack Bagnall once again showed what a tough customer he is when he recovered after being completely pole axed by a Bassetlaw defender inside the opposition penalty area, amazingly Bassetlaw received a free kick. The only thing lacking in the Leeds performance of the first half was the electric pace of Tom Lyman.
With Tom on the pitch for the second half it wasn't long before Leeds took the lead, a great Danny Hebditch header forward allowed Tom to put his foot on the accelerator pedal and leave the defender for dead and finish like only he can. Two minutes later he was at it again after another amazing run of breath taking speed resulted in his shot rebounding off the post. Bassetlaw were struggling to make any impact on the Leeds defence as half time subs Danny Meston and Elliott Jewitt were keeping up the good work of the first half defenders Sam Capitano and Tom Kilbride. Leeds finally put the game out of Bassetlaw's reach when Sam Williamson delivered a great corner that was powered towards goal by a rocket of a header by Danny Hebditch. The goal keeper got his hand to it but couldn't prevent the ball from crossing the line 2-0 Leeds. Bassetlaw should have pulled a goal back but Danny Wright pulled off a great save with 3 minutes to go from point blank range to thwart the Bassetlaw striker. It was the jolt Leeds needed because immediately Leeds were up the other end, Danny Powell laid on a great header to the feet of Micaiah Williams and his finish was on a par with the first goal by Tom Lyman, it was a fitting end to another great Leeds performance. Full time 3-0 Leeds.
What makes this trophy extra special is that every member of the Leeds squad will receive a medal as both Leeds A and B have represented Leeds in the league this year. The A team against Derby and Bassetlaw and the B team against Nottingham and East Riding, congratulations to all the boys.
BASSETLAW 'B' v LEEDS 'B' (0-9) Saturday 10th May
The Leeds squad travelled to Worksop for this final South Yorkshire league clash of the season and how fitting was the dandelion-strewn pitch provided by the opposition. Dandelion is of course derived from the French for 'tooth of the lion' and with Rzonca, Marshall, Hallas, Fisher and Gibbons in an end of term mood Bassetlaw must have felt like they were being fed to a pack of African carnivores.
After early and frenetic exchanges Leed's repeated charges down the significant slope towards the Bassetlaw goal concluded on ten minutes with Daneshar smashed the ball into the roof of the net after good work by Booth.
Bassetlaw were unable to mount a significant attack and when they threatened to progress beyond the half way line Marshall stepped in to snuff out any danger.
Ben Palmer made it two nil after fifteen minutes and added a third after twenty. On the twenty fifth minute Rzonca headed into the Bassetlaw net following terrific work by Lumsden down the left.
The first half was capped by Jameson with the pick of the Leeds goals. He picked up the ball on the left corner of the Bassetlaw box. In an instant he controlled the ball and glanced at the target apparently measuring the angles. He shifted the ball to strike with his right foot leaning expertly to create bend. The ball was driven across the face of the goal into the top right hand corner of the net. Van der Sar wouldn't have saved it let alone Bassetlaws finest.
The second half opened with Leeds attacking up the hill but the onslaught continued. McGonegal capitalised on an error by the Bassetlaw keeper and tapped in after two minutes. Lumsden followed up with a seventh. Despite the score Leeds were relentless their confidence being reflected in accurate sharp passing and scintillating movement off the ball.
After fifteen minutes of the second half Alex Cain in the Leeds goal got his first touch of the ball. McLoughlin and Marshall ensured that there were only two further interruptions to the keeper's end of season sunbathing session.
McGonegal tapped in two more goals but despite further skilful and inventive efforts and the urging of the travelling support Leeds including the injured Alex F-B they were unable to reach the double-digit score they deserved.
In the warm sunshine the 'B'team showed how far they have developed as a team over the season and with their victory over East Riding and draw with Nottingham combining with 'A' team wins at Derby and Bassetlaw the Leeds squad were deservedly crowned South Yorkshire League champions for 2008.
York 0 Leeds 'A' 1 West Yorkshire Cup Semi-Final 8th May 2008
Monday morning at Glasshoughton took some beating but I think this victory over York just about shades it. It had all the ingredients that a good football match needs, a quality pitch, two evenly matched teams, tension right to the end, passionate spectators and a stunning winning goal. There was also a little added spice to the game when Mr Rossiter relayed the news to the boys that some York lads thought Leeds a pushover and York would win easy.
Leeds knew that to beat York they would have to gain supremacy of the midfield as York are one of the best footballing teams we've played. Central midfielders Danny Hebditch and Shaun Gibson were more than up to the challenge, they chased and harried every ball and forced York into playing the ball long, this suited the Leeds defence who apart from a nervous first 10 minutes were superb all night. Some of the football Leeds played in the first half was of the highest quality, the ball was moved around the park with an air of confidence. Sam Capitano playing wide left was a constant threat as too were strikers Tom Lyman and Rhys Jenkinson. Full credit to York they defended superbly, for all Leeds good play they never really got behind the York back 4 and most of Leeds best efforts were from a distance in the shape of Danny Hebditch and Sam Capitano, still 0 -0 at half time it was all to play for.
The second half saw York come more into the game and the first 15 minutes was an absorbing encounter as the game was end to end. Tom Kilbride and Sam Williamson were doing a great job marking York star player Harvey, Danny Powell was coming more into the game down the right and big Jack Bagnall who replaced Rhys was causing problems up front. A goal had to come for one team and it looked like it was going to be York when their effort from a cross on the right was brilliantly palmed onto the post by goalkeeper Danny Wright. It was a costly miss as 2 minutes later Leeds took the lead from a free kick 30 yards out. Sam Williamson who had already been a colossus at the heart of the Leeds defence was about to be the match winner and score a goal he'll remember for the rest of his life. As Sam a keen rugby league player ran up to deliver the ball Mr Rossiter was shouting 'treat it like a conversion Sam' and what a conversion it was, the ball screamed into the top corner past the York keeper who'd been impressive all night. The Leeds parents have never celebrated so loudly and from then on Leeds were never going to lose this game. There was a spirit and togetherness about this performance that even surpassed Monday's heroics, every player had a good game and Leeds were unlucky not to double their tally when Danny Hebditch clipped the post in the dying seconds.
In a word SUPERB!
Leeds 'A'1 v Hull 0 Yorkshire Cup Final 5th May 2008
After Saturdays lack lustre display in the Transpennine Cup the pressure really was on the Leeds boys to deliver the goods in the Yorkshire Cup Final and Mr Rossiter laid it on the line before kick off that anything below 100% commitment would not be acceptable. The team talk seemed to work as Leeds definitely made the brighter start. Rhys Jenkinson, Shaun Gibson and Tom Lyman all had early chances that somehow eluded the Hull net as Leeds took full control of the game. The midfield four of Jenkinson, Kilbride, Gibson and Capitano were dominating proceedings, first to the ball and closing down space when the opposition were in possession. Hull to their credit were defending superbly, particularly the Hull number 5 who was outstanding throughout. Good defending though is not always enough to stop Tom Lyman and when he found a gap in the Hull defence on 21 minutes the Leeds parents shouted GOAL, only to see his accurate shot brilliantly turned round the post by the Hull keeper. Even though Leeds were on top the boys at the back couldn't afford to switch off as Hull like to get the ball to the front men early. Centre half and Captain Elliott Jewitt was first to everything and formed a good understanding with central defensive partner the reliable Adam Jameson. If Hull did get the ball behind the Leeds central defence Manchester United bound goalkeeper Danny Wright calmed everyone's nerves with his speed off the line and good handling. The only disappointment of a good first half performance was that Leeds had no goals to show for their dominance. Half time 0-0.
Leeds made their customary sluggish start to the second half and Hull applied some pressure. A couple of scrambled clearances by Leeds most consistent player of the season Danny Meston was required to keep Hull out. This was a temporary blip; the Leeds boys cleared their heads stepped up the work rate and took control again. Tom Lyman shot narrowly wide and 2 minutes later was unlucky not to latch onto a Shaun Gibson through ball. Jack Bagnall so often the match winner left the field with 20 minutes remaining after again showing that on a day when defences were tight Jack's still one of the hardest workers in the team. His replacement Danny Powell had an immediate impact on the game. It was Danny's quick thinking from a corner that resulted in the Leeds goal. Seeing that Hull were slow in marking Rhys Jenkinson on the right hand side of the penalty area, Danny played it short to Rhys who delivered a superb cross to the far post where unsung hero Sam Capitano was on hand to chest the ball home from a yard out. The Leeds crowd went wild and so did the players. The last 15 minutes felt like and hour as Hull didn't lie down but with Leeds bringing on quality substitutes Kieran Booth, Danny Hebditch and Lewis Hirst to breathe more life into the Leeds team the Leeds goal was never in any great danger. Lewis replaced left back Lucas Smedley who really had run himself into the ground for the Leeds cause. The last10 minutes were tense for the Leeds parents for although Leeds were in charge we've been hit with the sucker punch so often this season that we take nothing for granted. When the final whistle sounded there was relief all round although there shouldn't have been as Leeds were always on top.
What a great feeling to have a trophy in the cabinet, in a season of ups and downs there really was a lot of pressure on the team to succeed. Defeat and the season could have fallen very flat, but the boys showed tremendous character and now we go into the final part of the season on a real high. Well done to all the boys and to all the coaches who show great passion and commitment throughout the season so the boys can enjoy days like today.
Leeds B v Sheffield A
West Yorkshire Cup Semi-Final
Saturday 26th April
A somber mood all round this morning as the tragic news of the death of young Billy Fletcher and Mr Rossisters fitting tribute to him in this weeks programme filtered through. Everyone's thoughts are with Billy's parents, family and friends.
This weeks opponents traveled from Sheffield and the last time these two sides met for a league game we produced a 2-2 draw so this match was only ever going to be neck and neck. Our boys looked focused and very determind to secure victory today and from the first whistle Leeds playing against the wind looked sharp and demonstrated more skill and control than our South Yorkshire visitors. Within minutes we produced outstanding runs by Palmer, Booth and McGonagle which continuously aggravated the Sheffield defence.
Some of our parents couldn't settle down what we know as the 'Managers' side of the pitch and superstitious minds decided to move back to their regular spots not wanting to 'jinx' this game in any way.
Looking composed and working together magnificently the midfield of Daneshyar, Fisher, Rzonca, Gibbons and Palmer started to dominate the centre of midfield and began to carve their way through and apply pressure on the Sheffield goal. Leeds never looked out of place and truly believed they had this game under control. They oozed confidence and composure and did not deserve to go in at half time sporting a 0-0 scorline.
The second half saw Leeds take advantage of the wind and only some tremendous tussles with the Sheffield defence stopped Leeds scoring a number of goals. Rare attacks by Sheffield were swiftly dealt with by the untroubled back three of Marshall, Jameson and an extremely on-form McLauglin who has had two great games in succession. No matter what, these three were in no mood to expose keeper Linley today. Leeds continued to produce great football and by the final whistle the adrenalin was well and truly pumping and the atmosphere fully charged! Still 0-0
Into extra time and following a clash involving Rzonca who bravely tried to shrug off injury but had to come off. Mr Tonge put on Barratt and replaced Daneshyar for Lumsden. These boys and their fresh legs came out fighting and Barratt had a blast at goal that had us all gasping in anticipation. Unfortunately it did not result in a much deserved goal.
All of a sudden Sheffield had a final burst of enthusiasm and for a few minutes or so Leeds were under threat from their constant attacks. Only fine defending by our boys and fine saves by Linley and the general consensus that it was just not going to be the Sheffield's strikers day to day. Unable to get his toe on the end of a superb corner kept us in the game. Final, Final whistle. Its still 0-0
The Leeds parents stood in disbelief at the prospect of the final result being decided by penalties but soon discovered that a re-match would take place.
Leeds dominated this game today. It was a great performance and you deserved the win today.
Leeds A 2 v Rother Valley 3 26th April 2008
This result now means Leeds can no longer win the West Yorkshire League but full credit to Rother Valley who now look certain to claim the title. At half time it was Leeds who were in the driving seat leading 2-0. The first goal a spectacular 30 yard looping shot by Jack Bagnall that deceived the keeper. The second a cool Danny Hebditch finish inside the area after good work by Tom Lyman who left 3 Rother Valley defenders for dead with a mesmerising run from the right. Tom also brought a good save from the keeper on 7 minutes and likewise so did Sam Williamson from a free kick just before half time.
At the interval the Leeds parents knew there was a long way to go as Leeds had been assisted by the wind and with a few of the opposition boys showing a talent at striking the ball, the second half was always going to be tough. Our worst fears were realised after only 2 minutes when a thunderous 25 yard shot hit the inside of the post, raced across the line and somehow managed to avoid the Leeds net. From then on Rother Valley had Leeds pinned back, the Leeds boys panicked and there was a sort of inevitability about the next 15 minutes when Rother Valley scored 3 goals without reply. The Leeds lads did show character in the last quarter and tried to fight their way back into the game particularly when faced by one or two hostile Rother Valley supporters. Danny Powell showed flashes of brilliance down the left and nearly equalised with 6 minutes to go when his free kick was inches over the bar but too much of the Leeds play was hopeful long ball football with players not showing their usual composure on the ball. This suited Rother Valley who prefer the direct approach, but we must congratulate them, they've yet to drop a point in the league this season and look like being worthy champions.
This wasn't one of Leeds best performances especially after Leeds had completely outplayed Rother Valley away from home in a cup match just a couple of months ago.
Leeds 'A' 2 v Sheffield 1 - 12th April
After the disappointment of last weeks defeat against York Leeds bounced back to winning ways with a 2 -1 victory over Sheffield. The Score line does not reflect the dominance of this Leeds performance. From the first whistle Leeds looked sharper and showed more imagination than their South Yorkshire rivals, indeed they had the ball in the net in less than 2 minutes but ace marksman Tom Lyman was judged offside. For the next 15 minutes Leeds peppered the Sheffield goal, Lyman, Smedley, Hebditch and Capitano all went close as Leeds went through Sheffield like a knife through butter. Many attacks were coming down the right where Sam Capitano was in outstanding form, his running and crossing was a constant problem for the Sheffield defence. Sam was also well supported by right back Danny Meston who was always willing to send the ball early to put Sam in the clear. The next 15 minutes were move evenly matched as Sheffield came more into the game but with Leeds defenders Elliott Jewitt, Tom Kilbride and Lewis Hirst in defiant mood and goalkeeper Danny Wright looking calm and collected any danger was soon snuffed out. Leeds got the goal they deserved 5 minutes before half time and what a goal it was. Danny Hebditch 25 yards out wrong footed a Sheffield defender with an outrageous step over before unleashing a thunderbolt of a shot that flew high into the top left hand corner. Leeds nearly doubled their lead 2 minutes later when a Danny Powell shot after some fancy footwork down the left hit the underside of the bar and was somehow scrambled clear by Sheffield. Half time 1- 0 Leeds.
The second half was all Leeds as the midfield now including Shaun Gibson took total control. Sheffield were reduced to long ball football that was well dealt with by substitute centre half Sam Williamson both on the ground and in the air. Leeds though were finding it difficult to put the game to bed with that all important second goal. Heavy rain had made finishing difficult as both goal mouths were thick with mud, Tom Lyman and Micaiah Williams both had chances that in better conditions would have ended with a goal, but with the score at 1 - 0 Sheffield were always in the game. With 10 minutes to go a rare foray into the White's penalty area produced a scrappy goal as the ball was scrambled past an unlucky Alex Cain. Good sides show character and bounce back after such an injustice, well this side must be good because within 2 minutes they were back in front. Shaun Gibson hit a tremendous first time shot from outside the area that gave the keeper no chance, the relief on the Leeds boy's faces was there for everyone to see as Shaun disappeared under a sea of bodies and from then on there was no way back for Sheffield. Danny Hebditch nearly made it 3 when he headed wide. Then in the closing minutes Jack Bagnall went on a great run beating 2 players before seeing his shot rebound agonisingly off the post. Final score 2-1 Leeds.
A great Leeds performance that shows with a bit of luck they are more than capable of ending the season with 2 or 3 trophies.
Rothervalley A v Leeds B
Saturday 5th April 2008
Leeds traveled to their opponents Rother Valley 'A' after a well deserved rest from their Easter tour of Whitley Bay. Could we mirror our fantastic game against York during our tour? Leeds needs these three points!
It was not Mr Tonge's morning it seemed. Not only did he not have his Hallas, Lumsden and Palmer for today's match but then during warm up it became apparent that Jameson and Marshall were not 100% fit. Leeds have no subs, how was this going to level out?
The opening exchanges were solid as both teams sought to take control of the game. Rzonca, Fisher, Daneshyar and McGonagle tried to create openings for Booth but Rother Valley's two centre backs maintained so many timely interceptions causing Leeds not to develop any momentum.
Gradually, Rothervalley began to gain dominance of the first half and constant pressure resulted in them gaining 2-0 up by the 25th minute.
Linley could not believe these goals had sailed past him and needed to stay alert as Rothervalley started to take advantage of Leeds defence as they struggled to brush off their injuries.
Then on the 30th minute, Rothervalley won a free kick on the 18 yard box and a fantastic shot rifled past an out stretched Linley 3-0 Valley.
The Leeds boys replied on the 34th minute with a well taken penalty by Booth who calmly put the ball into the left hand corner 3-1 and half time.
The second half saw fisher and Rzonca picking up injuries. Would Leeds survive the next 35 minutes with four men hurt?
They fought on bravely but could not penetrate the Rothervalley defence and by the final whistle the score line of 4-1 did not reflect our lad's commitment and determination.
Unlucky boys. This one in now behind you. Lets get fit and show these Sheffield boys what we can really do when we are 100% fit.