Friday 9 May 2008 Leeds Utd Shadow Squad 2 v 2 Leeds Schools FA U13
On a balmy, early summer evening, the Leeds Boys gathered for ( potentially ) their last ever game together, but certainly their last game of the season.
Conditions and pitch were ideal ( which has been a rarity this season) and they hoped to sign off in style with a win.
For a long period, it looked as if they would, but eventually two late goals from the Shadow Squad evened things up.
Leeds started well, and looked more of a team which played more regularly ( which they were ).
As this writer has quoted many times previously, Luke Tempest created havoc,and the Shadow squad defence was at sixes and sevens.This resulted in the first goal after 7 minutes when the ball broke to Jackson Walker just inside the box. He moved the ball to the outside and hit a well placed left foot shot across the keeper into the far corner. 1-0.
After 15 minutes, Leeds doubled their advantage when Luke ran onto a long ball, avoided a last ditch tackle, drew the keeper and fired into the net.Unfortunately, this was Luke's last real contribution as he limped off shortly afterwards with a leg injury.
2-0 to Leeds Boys at the end of the first of three 25 minute periods was a fair reflection of their superiority.
The Shadow Squad had obviously been given a roasting as they came out for the second period with greater pace and passion. This made for a much more competitive game, although one without any real clear cut chances. This should not however detract from the considerable efforts made to close down and tackle by both sides.
The third period belonged to the Shadow Squad and they dominated territory and possession. This resulted in two goals by striker Danny Middleton. Firstly as a strong tackle in the Leeds Boys box recovered possession, with the resultant cross being stabbed home, and secondly when he outpaced the Leeds defence,rounded James Wurr and found the net from a tight angle.
It would have been an injustice if they had gone on to win, and Leeds Boys held on resiliently for a draw.
So, another season has come and gone.
We have again won more than we have lost, and have only lost the league and cup due to the better quality of one side ( albeit not on the same level playing field )
The boys have bonded on the field, and developed good relationships off it. They are growing into young men before our eyes with the assistance of Messrs Keddie and Joynson who have given their time, effort and energy this season.
We have the end of season presentation night to look forward to and around three football free months before it all starts again.
Friday 2nd May 2008 West Yorkshire Cup Final
Hull Schools FA U13 2 v 0 Leeds Schools FA U13
At the end of a long, hard season, it was heartache for the Leeds Boys as they lost a hard fought final to Hull.
Playing at North Ferriby United on a large, but well manicured pitch, the scene was set for a titanic struggle, and the crowd weren't disappointed.
The first half was very evenly matched with Leeds looking the more dominant and the more skillful, but with Hull possibly having the best chances. The fact that it ended 0-0 was the only real surprise.
Luke Tempest was a constant thorn in Hull's side, and on another day with a little more luck he could have bagged a couple of goals. He had to settle for a flick header which forced the keeper into a smart save.
The closest to a Leeds goal however came a few minutes later when Jackson's volley forced the keeper into a clawing save with Taranjeet only able to blaze the ball wide from the rebound.
Hull's well honed tactic of the long ball over the top was again in evidence but was mostly blunted by Robert who exhibited great pace and strength. However, they did create three chances from which they could have scored, but they did not even test James in the Leeds goal.
Hopes were high that Leeds could kick on in the second half, but that did not prove to be the case. Tiredness crept in, and Hull pounced via a swift passing move down Leeds left which left them exposed. The move was finished off with a powerful shot which gave James no chance.
The second goal came 10 minutes later as a cross from the right hand side travelled too far across the box and was slid home at the far post. 2-0 and game over.
It was to Leeds' credit that they never gave up in the last 15 minutes. They chased and harried, exemplified by the tireless Jacob Turner-Wright, but never really went close.
Whilst second place in the League and runners up in the cup may be something of a disappointment, the boys have grown individually and as a team, and every parent can be proud of how each of them has conducted themselves this year.
It will be a fitting end to the season if the boys can re-group for the final fixture against Leeds United Shadow Squad and fulfil their potential.
Saturday 26 April 2008 Leeds Schools FA U13 3 v 0 Barnsley Schools FA U13
On a day when a number of spectators were seen to unbutton their winter coats, Leeds claimed victory in their last WYL game of the season.
After a really close encounter against the same opposition a couple of weeks ago in the cup semi-final, this victory was something of a stroll, and a confidence booster before the Cup Final next week against Hull.
Conditions, for once, were good, and Leeds tried and succeeded in their efforts to play a passing game.
All the domination was from Leeds with attempts on goal coming thick and fast. Jackson's shot cleared the bar, Luke's shot went wide, Taranjeet had a header cleared off the line, and Jackson forced the keeper into a fine save with a first time volley from Ryan's free kick.
A goal looked likely, and duly arrived after 20 minutes. Ryan's corner was headed goalwards by Luke but was cleared off the line. However, from the rebound Nathan was on hand to lash home from 10 yards via the underside of the bar. 1-0 to Leeds which remained the score at half time.
It took nearly 10 minutes of the second half for Leeds to have an attempt on goal when Max's shot just fizzed wide.
Barnsley rarely threatened, due in no small part to another excellent display from Robert. However, James was wakened from his slumber with two incidents. Firstly he was only able to palm away a close range shot, and secondly when he raced from his line to make a desperate clearance which was returned goalwards but without sufficient power.
It was ironic that at the time of the game when Barnsley looked most dangerous, Leeds extended their advantage. Tenacious work from Tez down the right hand side resulted in his left foot cross deceiving everyone, including the keeper, and nestle in the far corner. 2-0
There was just enough time for a third as Jacob's good work, turn and cross found Ashley at the far post to head home.
All in all, a good result built on passing, movement and teamwork
Saturday 18 April 2008 WYL Spen Valley Schools FA U13 1 v 1 Leeds Schools FA U13
This season has seen many games negatively influenced by weather conditions, and in the middle of April, one might expect todays influence to be a hard pitch.However, it was exactly the opposite as the Leeds Boys encountered a real boggy, sticky,bobbley ground which made good football virtually impossible.
Driven on by the Spen Manager's pre-retirement wish to beat a Leeds team at least once, they also encountered a team eager to be quick and fierce in the tackle.
In a game bereft of real incident it was Leeds who dominated, but only showed flashes of passing and movement.
Luke Tempest was the focus for Leeds attacking moves, and, in reality, the only player that posed a threat.
After six minutes a nice flick from Alex Gyte saw Luke just about to pull the trigger when a last ditch tackle came in. Twenty minutes later Lukes half hit shot beat the keeper but was cleared off the line with Luke only able to lash the rebound wide.
In the second half, Luke's best chance came from his own making as his rampaging run saw him hurdle two tackles and the keeper. Unfortunately, he ran out of space and the ball went over the dead ball line before he could shoot.
The second half however, did bring a slightly improved standard of play and two of the subs combined to see Leeds take the lead. Jackson skipped past two players but over ran the ball. His tackle saw the ball break to Jacob just inside the box who turned and cracked a low shot past the keeper. 1-0 to Leeds.
Spen continued to compete but rarely looked dangerous. It was therefore a surprise and disappointment when they equalised with 10 minutes remaining.
A needless free kick was given away for pushing ( one of too many during the game ) by the touchline parallel to the 18 yard box. The ball was swung in, took at least one deflection and ended up in the corner with James helpless. 1-1.
Well done to the boys for plenty of effort, but there was only one winner in this game.....the pitch
Saturday 12 April 2008 West Yorkshire Cup -
Leeds Schools FA U13 2 v 1 Barnsley Schools FA U13
For the second week running it was heartache for Barnsley as they followed their Championship heroes out of a Cup Semi Final, and it was the Leeds Boys who look forward to a chance of silverware this season.
On another cold and breezy day at St Theresas this was a close, hard fought encounter between two well matched teams.
Leeds started off the brighter and were quick in the tackle as well as initially keen to spread the ball wide. Half chances came and went-a header from Jacob and a powerful shot from Jackson, but it was Barnsley who created the first real chance as a long ball saw a forward one on one with the keeper but unable to hit the target.
It really was 100 mile an hour stuff, and no player had time to settle on the ball. Both teams had to resort to slightly aimless humps forward, and this took away some of Leeds natural style of play.
Half time came with no goals which was probably a fair reflection of the huff and puff.
However, Leeds commenced the second period with a little more purpose and it took less than five minutes for them to take the lead.
The ball found it's way to the edge of the box where Jackson Walker hit a low, speculative shot which looked destined to be easily collected by the keeper. However, he fumbled the shot and the ball crept over the goal line. 1-0 to Leeds.
Leeds looked to have made the game safe five minutes later when a long ball from the half way line gave Luke Tempest the opportunity to outpace and out muscle two Barnsley defenders before slipping the ball past the keeper. 2-0 to Leeds and surely now plain sailing.
Unfortunately not !
Barnsley reacted very positively and took the game to Leeds who were forced onto the back foot.
James Wurr exhibited his rugby skills by crashing into a Barnsley forward outside the box and was a little lucky to stay on the pitch. He was not so lucky with 7 minutes to go when his clearance/tackle just outside his area rebounded to a Barnsley forward who was able to place into an empty net.
It was then Alamo time as Barnsley threw bodies and the kitchen sink at the Leeds goal. Challenges and clearances were made by the resolute defence where Nathan and Robert stood firm, with the midfield and forwards doing what they could to help out.
Despite the regular chorus of "penalty" from the visiting supporters, there were no real alarms, although it was a blessed relief when the final whistle was blown.
It was good to again see the fighting qualities from the boys which have certainly developed as the season has progressed, and which have now enabled them to reach a final.
The lads and parents can't wait to see Messrs Keddie and Joynson in their Cup Final day suits !
Well done to all.
Saturday 15 March 2008 Huddersfield Academy U13 0 v 3 Leeds Schools FA U13
On a damp, misty Yorkshire morning, Leeds Boys travelled to Huddersfield to face the might of their Academy team. The first game of the season had seen a 2-2 draw with Leeds unlucky not to win, and it would be good to see how much progress had been made.
On a slippy but well groomed, full size pitch, it was Leeds who came away as the victors.
However, it was not just the result that was pleasing, it was the performance. Leeds played with a real pace and passion, and in this writers opinion, produced their best football of the season.
It would be unfair to single out any player, as everyone who spent time on the pitch contributed superbly.
The tone was set in the first of the three 25 minute periods as Leeds never let the Huddersfield players settle. Tackles flew in and there was plenty of energy without any real chances being created. Luke Tempest always looked a threat and was the outlet for balls played forward from midfield.
0-0 at the end of the period did not reflect Leeds dominance of territory and possession.
Hudds obviously received a Fergie-type blasting at the break and came out much more determined. James Wurr had to be brave in smothering a shot a the feet of an onrushing Hudds forward.
However, it was Leeds who came closest to scoring when Taranjeet tricked his way to the bye-line and floated in a cross which Luke headed against the post.
Hudds kept pressing and James had to produce a Jim Montgomery type double save as firstly he blocked a shot then flung himself across his goal to keep out the rebound. The polls are now open again for Save of the Season !
At the other end, Leeds took advantage of having their other keeper playing up front as TJ was strong enough to wriggle past the last defender and skillful enough to round the keeper before sidefooting into the net. 1-0 to Leeds.
James continued his good work at the start of the third period when he stuck out his left hand to keep out a close range shot that looked to be already past him.
Leeds second goal came after 9 minutes of the second period. Jackson, standing in his own half, played a perfectly weighted through ball for Luke to run onto and collect on the edge of the box. He controlled with one touch and lifted over the advancing keeper with his second. 2-0 to Leeds.
The third came with a couple of minutes remaining as Luke ran onto another through ball, this time from Max, rounded the keeper and slot home.
All in all, a great result and a great performance against good quality opposition. The defence looked strong and mobile, the midfield was determined and creative, and the forwards ran unselfishly and finished clinically.
Well done to all involved
Saturday 8th March Leeds 5 North Tyneside 0
This match report feels a little like groundhog day.
Another too windy day, another dominating performance, and another 5-0 victory.
In truth, and like the weather ,this was something of a breeze, but the boys can be praised for seeing off the opposition.
Today's wind was blowing across the pitch and therefore gave no side an advantage for at least one half. What it did do however was to turn best intentions into a very scrappy game.
Both teams struggled in the early stages, and it took at least 10 minutes before the game saw a move of any quality. Ironically, this led to the first goal as Ryan Rowley crashed into a strong, well timed tackle just inside his own half. His pass found Jacob who released Luke on one of his usual rumbustious runs towards goal. He drew the keeper before slipping the ball inside for Alex Gyte to slot into the unguarded net. 1-0 to Leeds.
Goal number two came after 19 minutes and was something of a surprise as there was no real lead up to the goal. The ball simply fell to Luke at the edge of the box who had time to let the ball bounce before hitting it goalwards. The keeper made no attempt to dive and assumed that the shot was going wide. Unfortunately for him ( but fortunately for Leeds ) the ball hit the inside of the post before nestling in the back of the net. 2-0.
The wind played a part in the third as a series of ricochets saw the ball bounce in front of Alex Gyte at the edge of the box. His volley sailed over the keeper's head and into the net. 3-0.
If the keeper was perhaps culpable for the second and third goals, he most definitely was for the fourth !
Luke out wide by the right hand touchline forced the ball into the box, and was as surprised as the rest of us as it found it's way into the goal between the keeper and his near post.
4-0 at half time and game over.
Leeds were even more dominant in the second half in terms of both territory and possession, and North Tyneside only managed one shot ( off target) in the entire second half.
Shots rained in on the North Tyneside goal with the keeper performing much better. In particular he made two good saves from shots from Jackson Walker.
Max and Aiden came close, but Leeds had to be satisfied with the addition of only one further goal from Jacob who headed home from a corner.
Another 5-0 victory and another confidence booster before the return to League and Cup semi-final action in the coming weeks.
Saturday 1st March 2008 Leeds Schools FA U13 5 v 0 Wakefield Schools FA U13
Another Saturday, another windy day, and another game adversely impacted by a strong gale.
However, after last week's hiccup, Leeds returned to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over local rivals Wakefield.
Despite Leeds facing the first half challenge of playing into the wind, they always looked the most dangerous, and there were early chances for Luke and Jacob which were either off target or smartly saved by the keeper. The best chance fell to Luke after 17 minutes when his stabbed shot cleared the keeper but unfortunately the bar also .
However, he made amends a couple of minutes later when his strength in the box saw the ball squirt across the six yard box where it was forced home by Jacob. 1-0 to Leeds.
Whilst the wind assisted Wakefield's efforts to attack, they never threatened until the 25th minute when a low cross was met first time by a Wakefield forward standing no more than 8 yards from goal. Whilst almost straight at him ,Taranjeet showed great agility and strong hands to force the ball up onto the bar, and was then alert enough to gather the rebound. Save of the Season ?? You decide.
Just as the half was about to end, Luke ran onto a through ball and rounded the keeper. Unfortunately his shot did not have the power to beat the retreating defender who cleared to safety.
1-0 at half time, with the anticipation that Leeds would build on that lead with the wind at their backs.
It took less than two minutes for this to be realised as Jacob received the ball at the edge of the box, took it wide, and hit a powerful shot across the keeper. 2-0.
In the next five minutes, it became something of a siege with shots from Luke, Max and Kyra all going close. This pressure had to result in a goal, and it did a few minutes later as Luke's tame speculative shot somehow found it's way through the keeper's hands and legs as he stood to collect. 3-0.
It is to their credit that Wakefield never resorted to an over-physical approach, but the fact is that they were out-muscled and out played in every part of the pitch. Alex McGurk and Kyra pulling the strings in midfield and never missing the opportunity to support the front men.
Leeds' fourth and Jacob's hat trick came from a training ground corner. Ashley's lovely deep inswinger being met by an unchallenged Jacob at the far post.
The final goal of the game came with 15 minutes remaining as Luke turned and fired in a shot that nestled in the net via the keeper's legs.
Other chances came and went , and in truth Leeds should have doubled their tally. The only threat of danger came from a comedy moment as Robert felled Nathan in a scene more reminiscent of the Grand National. The Wakefield forward could only clip the ball into the imaginary stand.
A good result and a good, solid performance. There will surely be greater tests to come.
Saturday 23 February 2008 Leeds Schools FA U13 3 v 4 Nottingham Schools FA U13
With no defeats since last coming across Nottingham in mid November, this would be a good test to see how the Leeds Boys had progressed.
Unfortunately, as the result suggests, they had progressed......but not quite enough !
On a long grassed pitch, and with a very strong wind spoiling the game, conditions were far from ideal, but that did not stop both teams providing some great entertainment.
Nottingham are a good team who are skillful and physical, and facing the wind in the first half saw them with their backs to the wall. Tez and TJ playing in a new-look forward line always looked lively and created half chances, but Nottingham broke with speed and always looked dangerous.
This translated into a goal after 12 minutes when the ball was fired across the Leeds six yard box and was smashed home by a Nottingham forward who was unchallenged despite being surrounded by three defenders.
It is to Leeds great credit that they equalised less than five minutes later . A nice passing move down the left hand side saw the ball moved to Tez in the box.His short, incisive pass released TJ who side footed past the keeper for an ice cool finish .1-1.
Leeds were using the wind to their advantage with long kicks from James Wurr causing discomfort to the Nottingham defenders. However, James real value came with two excellent saves as half time approached. Firstly with his feet when one on one with a forward, and secondly with a strong right hand to keep out an angled shot.
However, James was helpless to keep out the unfeasibly tall Nottingham centre forward who latched onto a long speculative through ball and outpaced the defence.
The frustration felt by Leeds was brought alive by a wild challenge by Nathan a minute later which resulted in a penalty ( albeit that the offence was committed outside the box ) and Nottingham's third goal. 3-1 at half time.
Any hopes of a fightback were quickly thwarted when Nottingham scored their fourth with a soft header from a corner after only 5 minutes of the second half.
Again it is to the boys credit that their heads didn't drop, even when things weren't going right, and even when they were playing into the strong wind.
Aiden came close with a header from a well worked corner which had been practised during the warm up. Luke came closer when a nice through ball from Jackson put him through. Unfortunately his shot hit the side netting.
However, with 15 minutes to go, Leeds gave themselves some hope with a goal. A powerful run down the centre by the tireless Jacob and an excellent pass to Luke saw him round the keeper at pace and place into the empty net for an excellent goal. 4-2
A couple of minutes later, it was all to play for as Leeds scored their third. Luke held the ball up well and passed out to the right hand side to Jackson who took one touch before firing a powerful, curling shot into the roof of the net from 20 yards. 4-3.
Whilst Leeds huffed and puffed they could not quite find the equaliser. The closest effort coming from Luke whose toe poke cannoned off the bar with only a couple of minutes remaining.
So a narrow defeat against good quality opposition, but with many positives and many learning points to take away
Saturday 26 January 2008 Derby Schools FA U13 0 v 7 Leeds Schools FA U13.
On a bright but very breezy day Leeds travelled to the bowels of Derbyshire to face opposition who forced an ill-tempered draw against them last season at U12.
This year, it was a lot easier as the result suggests.
The game started with the wind at Leeds backs, but with them playing up a rather severe slope. However, once they found their feet, Leeds soon took control.
Luke had two early chances to give Leeds the advantage, but on both occasions, his shot was smartly saved by the keeper's legs.
However, it was third time lucky after twenty minutes when a ball pumped forward from midfield gave him the chance to out muscle a defender and slide past the advancing keeper. 1-0 to Leeds.
With five minutes to half-time Derby created their only real chance of the game as a forward capitalised on some mistimed clearances, but could only scoop the ball wide of TJs left hand post.
As if stung by this, Leeds went straight up the other end and scored their second. Ashley's long ball again releasing Luke to outpace the defender and drill home.
2-0 at half time, but the question remained whether Derby could take advantage of the wind in the second half.
The answer was an unequivocal "no ! ". In part this was due to the wind losing something of it's force, but more importantly was due to Leeds superior passing, movement, and general tenacity.
They hunted in packs, attacked in pairs and thoroughly dominated territory and possession.
It took 15 minutes for the third goal to come when the impressive Jacob Turner-Wright cut in from the right and curled his shot over the Derby keeper.
After the keeper kept out Kyra with a Roy Carroll type juggling manoeuvre on the line, the fourth goal followed soon thereafter. Jackson's powerful run through the middle saw the ball slipped to Jacob who cut inside a defender before slotting home.
Luke won the race to be first to score a hat-trick when he headed home Ryan Rowley's cross. 5-0 to Leeds.
Jackson scored Leeds' sixth with five minutes to go when he forced the ball home from close range in the scramble that followed Ryan's free kick which had come back off the bar.
The seventh was a real beauty as Max's cross found Alex McGurk at the edge of the box. He had time to pick his spot with the ball arrowed into the angle of post and crossbar. 7-0.
Whilst not the best opposition, the Leeds Boys displayed a great mix of skill and controlled aggression. They gave 100% during the entire 70 minutes and at all times tried to play a controlled passing game.
Although the scorers and creators will get the headlines, it was a real team performance, with special mention to "new boy" Robert Hiza who gave another impressive display at the back.
Well done to all involved
Saturday 12 January 2008 Leeds Schools FA U13 3 v 1 York Schools FA U13
After last week's return to action, it was back to the WYL and the visit of local rivals York.
Despite pleasant weather conditions, the heavy rain in recent days had resulted in a boggy pitch with standing water in the goalmouth. It would therefore prove to be a testing pitch for both sides.
York started off like a train, and with plenty of pace in their team, it looked like they would prove dangerous opponents. However, Leeds soon settled into a superior passing game combined with much more tenacity in the tackle.
This was highlighted when Leeds went one up after 10 minutes. The ball was won inside Leeds half by the combative play of Jacob and Alex McGurk, and moved onto Jackson. His slide rule pass found Max's run who was able to clear the keeper with a lofted shot. 1-0 to Leeds.
Aiden almost made it two a few minutes later, but his shot just cleared the bar.
On a rare foray into the Leeds half, York equalised after 15 minutes.. A poor header from the edge of the box saw the ball fall to a York midfielder whose first time shot from 20 yards was powerful and accurate and too good for Taranjeet. 1-1.
It took Leeds at least five minutes to regain their composure, and a pattern began to develop where they dominated territory and possession.
Luke went close, Jacob went closer, and Jackson scored,but was harshly ruled offside. Leeds went into half time a little disgruntled that they were not ahead.
Fortunately for Leeds , they started the second half with the same level of intensity.
Luke sliced his shot wide of the right hand post, and Max's effort from just inside the box dribbled inches wide of the post.
After 12 minutes there was a massive scramble in the muddy York goalmouth which resembled the Battle of the Somme. Ricochets and rebounds prevented the ball from going into the goal, and the Leeds spectators were left wondering....."was it going to be one of those days ???"
This question was answered with 6 minutes to go. Good tenacity from midfield saw the ball pushed out wide, and as the cross came back to the edge of the box the ball bobbled enough for Alex McGurk to fire in a shot which dipped over the keeper. 2-1 to Leeds and justice had arrived.
Any fears of a last minute equaliser from York were extinguished as Leeds made it three. Mark Simpson's through ball found Luke who manoeuvred his body position and shot first time past the advancing keeper.
This was a really encouraging performance against strong opposition. The sweeper/wing back etc formation definitely worked again, but it needed the lads to show skill, energy and tenacity which they did in spades.
Bring on Spen Valley next week
Saturday 5th January 2008 South Notts Schools FA U13 2 v 4 Leeds Schools FA U13
A new year, and the return of football with the first game in 4 weeks.
Despite the heavy rain in recent days, the pitch was in fine fettle, and with the breeze and slope behind them conditions were set for a quality game from the Leeds Boys.
However, lack of match practice was to take it's toll with plenty of misplaced passes and poor first touches throughout the game
The situation was not helped by only having a squad of 12 players ( including two keepers ) although that was to pay dividends later !
Early shadow boxing saw few chances for either side, and it was not until Taranjeet came out of goal to replace Tez upfront that Leeds looked dangerous.
Almost immediately his near post header brought a good save from the South Notts keeper, and shortly afterwards his challenge on the keeper from Jackson's lobbed cross saw the ball break free to Alex Gyte who forced home from inside the six yard box. 1-0 to Leeds
Any thoughts that Leeds could build on this advantage were quickly dispelled as South Notts equalised after 22 minutes. A quick ball out of defence saw the Leeds defence outnumbered, and last ditch tackles only resulted in the ball finding a South Notts player who fired home from eight yards. 1-1.
Leeds reacted well, but it was something of a freakish goal which saw them retake the lead.
An aimless ball forward looked destined to go for a goal kick but was chased down by Taranjeet. The keeper panicked and showed too much of his unguarded net. TJ expertly and cheekily used the outside of his foot to skid his shot into the near post where it could only be helped into the net by a tumbling defender. 2-1 to Leeds.
Unfortunately, Leeds were unable to hold their advantage until half time as South Notts pushed forward. With a defender lying injured and with a valid shout for offside, Leeds could feel aggrieved- especially James Wurr whose fine parry rebounded straight to a South Notts forward who headed home. 2-2.
After a valid half time telling off from Mr Keddie, Leeds performed much better in the second half, although nowhere near their potential.
I was a full 10 minutes before any real chance was created by either side- Jacob's shot from just inside the box being smartly saved by the keeper.
Leeds' best passing move of the game brought their third goal. Nice interplay on the left hand side released TJ whose pace took him to the touchline. His pull pack found Alex McGurk who fired home from 15 yards. 3-2 .
This time Leeds were not to surrender the lead, and the fourth came with 5 minutes to go.
Again Taranjeet was too quick for the South Notts defence, and his cross from the left fizzed across the box and was poked home by Jacob. 4-2.
There was just time for James Wurr to bundle over a South Notts forward which was seen by everyone except the ref, and also for a great tackle by Aiden which was reminiscent of Bobby Moore's tackle om Jarizinho in the 1970 World Cup.
However, Leeds looked comfortable and probably deserved to win.
Special praise to Taranjeet who scored one goal and had a hand in setting up the other three. Not bad considering he spent the first ten minutes in goal !
After such a long break, it was good to get this game under the belt before the sterner challenge of the league game at home to York next week. A training session will also be welcomed, if only to reinforce that a greater combative element needs to be introduced into the Leeds game.
Saturday 24 November 2007 South Tyneside Schools FA U13 1 v 4 Leeds Schools FA U13
After some patchy performances and results in recent weeks, it was back to winning ways for the Leeds Boys, and a first victory on the road this season.
After a full review of recent concerns, and in a Steve McLarenesq type move, the management team of Keddie and Joynson adopted a new formation for this trip to the North East.
However, unlike McLaren, it proved to be a roaring success with their jobs remaining secure, and little chance of a 2.5 million pay off !
As well as a formation including three at the back, wing backs and a player "in the hole" there was also a fresh approach from the players themselves with lots more fight and determination in every part of the pitch.
The tone was set from the opening whistle. with tackles flying in and pressure put on the Jarrow lads. Alex McGurk was first to try his luck with a snapshot which brought an excellent save from the keeper.
However, it was not long before Leeds took a well deserved lead. The ball broke to Kyra just inside the box, and his powerful low shot ripped into the back of the net. 1-0.
Leeds were dominant, and it was 12 minutes before Tyneside created a chance. Taranjeet had to be at his best to parry away a shot and alert enough to slide feet-first to keep out the follow up.
I was a huge injustice when Tyneside equalised after 15 minutes. The infamous long ball trick saw the defence turned and the slippery conditions prevented Taranjeet from gathering cleanly, and suddenly it was 1-1.
How would the boys react ?
The answer was to retake the lead after 60 seconds as Mark Simpson made a strong and determined run down the right hand side and passed to Luke Tempest. Luke's speculative shot from outside the box found it's way under the keeper's body. 2-1 to Leeds.
Tyneside started to look dangerous as the half progressed, but 2-1 was a fair reflection of the first 35 minutes.
The second half was welcomed in by a strong wind and heavy shower-both in the faces of the Leeds Boys !
However, this did not dampen their hunger for the game, and more bodies in midfield, greater support to the front men and width through the wing backs was definitely working.
After 15 minutes, the game was made more comfortable as a lovely through ball from Jacob released Tez who was able to outpace the defenders and poke the ball past the advancing keeper for 3-1.
Tez almost made it four 60 seconds later, but his close range shot was beaten away by the Tyneside keeper.
Leeds' fourth came with ten minutes to go and was a great solo effort from Luke who picked up the ball on the left hand side just inside the Tyneside half. He cut inside and, from the edge of the box, unleashed a powerful shot which was too good for the keeper. 4-1 to Leeds.
Chances came and went, and it was great to see the lads never stop trying to play the passing game, and never giving less than 100%.
The defence look more secure with Kyra sweeping up well and James dominating his are with some excellent catching.
The 100 mile trip back home felt good, and all will look forward to the next game with anticipation rather than trepidation.
Well done to management and players
After the positive and successful start to the season, it was a huge disappointment to lose the first West Yorkshire League game of the season.
This was especially true as, despite coming up against a team with a mix of skill, pace and aggression, this was a game that Leeds could have and should have won.
Defensive lapses gave away really sloppy goals, and glaring misses eventually cost the game.
The day again brought superb conditions for football, and hopes were high that Leeds could reverse the defeat at the end of the previous season. Things did not start well for Leeds with an injury to Luke Tempest who was not able to return to the game for at least 20 minutes. This was compounded by Bradford taking the lead when a Bradford defender headed home a corner unchallenged after 8 minutes.
The small stature of the Bradford keeper was encouraging long range shots from Leeds, and it was from a free kick that Leeds equalised. Macauley Doherty's curler going in off the inside of the post and the body of the keeper. 1-1.
Leeds's tails were up and they almost made it two when Max P-C was put clear by a lovely through ball from Mark Simpson. As the keeper advanced, Max pulled his shot just wide of the post.
Just as things were looking good, Bradford took the lead, and again it was from a corner. The swirling inswinger deceived Taranjeet who was only able to claw the ball away. As the defence stood and watched, a Bradford forward was first to react. 2-1 to Bradford.
Set pieces were proving to be Leeds Achilles heel, and Bradford almost made it three as a free kick was fired across the face of goal with no one on hand to touch home. However, it was not long before their third goal came when Nathan's back pass fell short of Taranjeet and was squeezed home by the Bradford number 10. 3-1 to Bradford.
The last action of the first half saw Simo's free kick headed against the post by Max.
Almost immediately from the kick off Leeds created a chance as Max went one on one with the keeper. Unfortunately, his shot cannoned off the keepers legs to safety.
The following 15 minutes saw virtually no other chances for either side. However, it was extremely competitive with no side given much time to dwell on the ball. Tackles flew in, skillful touches were made, and the game was played at 100% pace.
With a quarter of the game remaining, Leeds gave themselves hope. A long ball released Luke whose clever inside pass allowed Max the opportunity the cleverly flick the ball past the keeper. 2-3.
How Leeds did not equalise with 8 minutes to go is still a mystery. Macauley's free kick was touched onto the bar by the keeper, and with the goal gaping, Max's follow up side footed volley just drifted wide.
As if to rub salt into the wound, Bradford quickly went up the other end and scored from a firm left footed strike from outside the box. 2-4.
However, there remained hope when a long free kick was flicked on by Nathan for Luke to stab home. 3-4 with 5 minutes remaining.
Bradford did their best to run down the clock and kill the game as they ran out of steam. There was, however,time for one more glorious chance when Luke's power enabled him to burst past a defender and fire in a low cross. Max was on hand but his shot from inside the six yard box was somehow scrambled away by a combination of keeper and defender.
The final whistle followed seconds later and it was all over.
The Leeds Boys again showed great fight and tenacity and never gave up despite being either one or two goals down for the majority of the game. However, this will not be enough to bring success this year, and there needs to be further progress made in the basics such as passing and defending set pieces.