U15 Match Reports
Match Report for Saturday 28th February 2009
Northern Merit Table
LEEDS U.15's V BARNSLEY U.15's (Home)
Leeds made a very good start to the game and put pressure on the Barnsley defence with incisive through balls. The pace of Cole Harrop was a constant threat to Barnsley and it came as no surprise when Leeds took the lead after 15 minutes. A good ball from Casey O'Reilly fed Harrop down the left and when he cut inside he had a fortunate rebound before dispatching the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
Within a few minutes Leeds had made it two when the Barnsley goalkeeper made a mess of a through ball and Jake Alleston had the easy job of tapping the ball into an empty net.
Leeds should have put the came well out of Barnsley reach when following an excellent cross from Tom Eastwood both Alleston and Harrop missed absolute sitters to add to the score.
In the last 10 minutes of the half Leeds seemed to run out of legs in mid field and Barnsley came more into the game. They had a couple of half chances before the Leeds defence let a cleverly flighted free kick go right through the middle of the defence for a Barnsley forward to finish off.
H.T. LEEDS 2 BARNSLEY 1
The second half was very even with both sides having periods when they were on top. Fortunately Leeds defended very well and kept the Barnsley forwards at bay. Late in the half Leeds had a couple of good chances to finish the game off, but poor finishing let them down.
For Leeds Cole Harrop upfront was outstanding and his pace and forceful running was constant threat to Barnsley.
F.T. LEEDS 2 BARNSLEY 1
Match report for Saturday 21st February.
Northern Merit Table
LEEDS U.15's V WAKEFIELD U.15's (AWAY)
After the long layoff due to the bad weather and with a strong wind sweeping across a bumpy field it was hardly surprising that both sides found it very difficult to play a passing game.
Playing down the slope in the first half Leeds certainly made heavy weather of it and although they had the majority of play it was Wakefield who were playing the better football and they also created the best chance of the game when a fierce cross shot came back off the post.
Leeds also struggled in midfield where they appeared to lack mobility.
H.T. WAKEFIELD 0 LEEDS 0
Playing up the slope in the second half Leeds were a vastly improved side. Andy Hillerby and Harrison McPhee came on in the centre of midfield and began to dictate the game. Midway through the half Casey O'Reilly broke through on the right and his fine centre found Cole Harrop, who slotted the ball in to open the scoring.
5 minutes later Harrop broke through again and when his fierce shot came back from the crossbar O'Reilly was there to force the ball in.
All the players got back to the centre circle only to find that the referee had given Casey offside. A strange decision which confused all the players and spectators from both sides.
This would have closed the game for Leeds, but it certainly heartened the Wakefield side and for the last 15 minutes they had most of the play and it was only resolute defending by Leeds that kept them out.
F.T. WAKEFIELD 0 LEEDS 1
For Leeds Casey O'Reilly, upfront, had his best game of the season, as did Bradley Wilson at right back. After the long break however it was a convincing win for Leeds and puts us back on track for a high place in the Merit Table.
Match Report for Saturday 14th February 2009.
Friendly Match
LEEDS U.15's V GRIMSBY U.15's (AWAY)
Grimsby had had no snow during the two weeks when every other parts of the country had suffered and the squad were looking forward to the first game in four weeks. Unfortunately on the Thursday night snow swept down the east coast and yet another game was called off.
Match Report for Saturday 7th February 2009.
Northern Merit Table
LEEDS U.15's V SPEN VALLEY U.15's (HOME)
It came as no surprise when the game was called off on the Thursday due to Preisthorpe having 8 inch of snow on the field.
Match Report for Saturday 31st January 2009
Yorkshire Trophy - Group Match
BRADFORD U.15's V LEEDS U.15's (AWAY)
After a wet week we were very disappointed, but not really surprised, when Bradford had to call the game off late on Friday. This meant a lot of ringing to let all the boys know they would get another morning lie in.
Match Report for Saturday 24th January 2009.
Northern Merit Table
LEEDS U.15's V ROTHERHAM U.15'S
After 3 days of rain it came as no surprise when Priesthorpe declared their fields unplayable and we had to call the game off.
Match Report for Wednesday 21st January 2009.
5th Round of the English Trophy
LEEDS U.15's V WARRINGTON U.15's (HOME)
Leeds were at full strength for their most important game of the season. We managed to arrange to play the game at Leeds Uniteds' training complex at Thorp Arch under lights and considering the heavy rain, both before and during the game, the field was in excellent condition.
Leeds started the game quite brightly and both Cole Harrop and Tom Eastwood had chances to open the scoring but both took too long over the ball.
As the half progressed however Warrington came more into the game and slowly began to take control of the midfield area. They were particularly strong down the left hand side of the field where their winger was a constant threat.
After 25 minutes this pressure paid off when another good move down the left resulted in a good cross and the centre forward met this with a firm header into the top corner of the goal. Within two minutes they had made it two, when a dreadful mistake in the centre of the Leeds defence let the strong running Warrington forward in for a simple goal.
Mistakes were coming at regular intervals by Leeds players now and it came as no surprise when just before half time another mistake led to a third goal for Warrington.
H.T. LEEDS 0 WARRINGTON 3
Several changes were made at half time and this seemed to make a difference, as early in the half Leeds had most of the play, although they rarely looked like scoring.
Unfortunately after this early pressure another mistake by the Leeds defence conceded a fourth goal to put the tie beyond Leeds. Worse was to follow when Warrington scored a fifth when the Leeds goalkeeper let a soft one slip under his body.
To the credit of Leeds they never stopped trying and five minutes from the end they deservedly pulled a goal back when Cole Harrop broke through on the right and cut in to score an opportunist goal.
F.T. LEEDS 1 WARRINGTON 5
A very disappointing performance by the Leeds Squad. In all honesty none of the players had games to remember. The occasion simply got the better of them, they were very nervous and in the end made more mistakes in one game than they have done all season. Hopefully they will learn from this and get back to winning ways as soon as possible.
Match Report for Saturday 17th January 2009.
Yorkshire Trophy - Group Match
LEEDS U.15's V SHEFFIELD U.15's (HOME)
Leeds started brightly against a strong Sheffield side and early in the game they created two half chances which unfortunately they failed to take.
In the middle of the half however Sheffield began to take control of the middle of the park and Leeds gave their quality players far too much time on the ball and they began to spray it around to good effect. For the remainder of the half it was all Sheffield and it came as no surprise when after 30 minutes they took the lead when their right winger beat his man and crossed a superb ball for the striker to head home.
Fortunately for Leeds they then failed to capitalise on good approach play to increase this lead.
H.T. LEEDS 0 SHEFFIELD 1
At half time Leeds made several changes, particularly in midfield and this had the desired effect on the game. The half was 'end to end' football throughout and good chances were missed by both sides.
Late in the game Sheffield gained a free kick just outside the box, this was quickly taken and resulted in a second and decisive goal. In the final few seconds of the game Sheffield broke and scored a third goal.
F.T. LEEDS 0 SHEFFIELD 3
Although a 3 - 0 defeat looks a very poor result on paper there was little to choose between the sides. On the day several of the Leeds boys didn't really perform and one wonders if they were thinking more about the big English Trophy game on Wednesday than the game in question.
Hopefully this is the case and they will be able to raise their game again on Wednesday.
Match Report for Saturday 10th January 2009.
Yorkshire Trophy -- Group Match
LEEDS U.15's V SHEFFIELD U.15's (HOME)
Unfortunately when we arrived at Priesthorpe there had been heavy overnight frost and the referee had no choice but to call the game off. Fortunately both sides had no game for the following week and it was rearranged for then.
Match report Saturday 3rd January 2009
Under 15 Northern Merit Table
LEEDS U.15's v SPEN VALLEY U.15's (AWAY)
Despite the overnight frost both teams were pleasantly surprised to find the field playable. It gave all the boys a chance to run off all the extra calories they had put on over the festive period. More to the point it gave all the adults a chance to get some fresh air and clear their heads following too many late night parties.
The playing surface was understandably bumpy and early in the game it made it very difficult for both sides to string passing moves together. Fortunately as the game progressed the conditions improved, as did the performance of both sides.
Playing down the slope in the first half, Leeds in the first 20 minutes, again created plenty of chances, but as in the previous game they wasted these when they appeared to panic infront of goals. Spen Valley gained in confidence from this and they then had a spell when they had a couple of chances; from one of these Danny Priestley made an excellent save.
This seemed to waken Leeds up and their pressure paid dividends. Connor Shearman got on the end of an inswinging corner and his header looped into the top far corner of the net. In the next attack Leeds made it two when Tom Eastwood broke down the left and his near post cross saw George Hancock head in for a classic goal.
H.T. SPEN VALLEY 0 LEEDS 2
Several changes were made at half time to give all the squad at least half a game. This certainly affected the course of the game as Leeds had a good 5 minutes when they couldn't keep possession. This led to Spen Valley having a lot of the play, but fortunately Nathan Lee was faultless in goals saving several long shots.
Leeds however regained control and mid way through the half Tom Eastwood, now playing at centre forward, was put through and he calmly lobbed the keeper to put Leeds 3 goals infront.
Within minutes Eastwood was again put through and this time he hit a powerful shot past the keeper. It was now constant Leeds pressure and they were thwarted of further goals by a series of excellent saves by the home goalkeeper. 10 minutes from the end Spen Valley deservedly pulled a goal back - a just reward for the effort they had put into the game. Leeds did finish the game strongly and again good goalkeeping and poor finishing kept them from adding to their score.
For Leeds Andrew Hillerby, Tom Verney and Bradley Wilson had good games defensively and also used the ball well going forward. The star performance however was from Tom Eastwood who caused problems to the home defence every time he got the ball, scoring two of the goals and creating another.
Congratulations to both sides however for providing the spectators with an entertaining game, inspite of the conditions.
F.T SPEN VALLEY 1 LEEDS 4
Match Report 20th Decemeber
Under 15 Northern Merit Table
LEEDS U.15's v BARNSLEY U.15's (AWAY)
After the magnificent display at Liverpool Leeds certainly came down to earth against their South Yorkshire rivals who were spurred on by our result and treated the game as their Cup Final.
Leeds had a much changed side due to injuries and holidays and particularly upfront tended to struggle against a very aggressive and keen Barnsley side. The game was played on a very heavy field which made it difficult to keep the flow of the game going for both sides. After early Barnsley pressure Leeds however started to get on top and wasted several good chances through sloppy finishing.;
Midway through the half Oliver James, who again had been in outstanding form, had to come off with a thigh strain and before Leeds had time to regroup they found themselves two goals down.
The first came when Leeds only half cleared a corner and the Barnsley forward forced the ball home. Within a minute Leeds got exposed on the right and the tricky Barnsley winger beat his full back and struck a firm shot past the keeper via the near post.
For the next 10 minutes Leeds were hanging on but fortunately they dug in and then started to take the game back at Barnsley. Just before half time Tom Verney linked with Tom Eastwood down the left and when he drilled a low ball across the 6 yard box a Barnsley defender turned the ball into his own net.
H.T. BARNSLEY 2 LEEDS 1
Leeds came back strongly in the second half and had the majority of the play. For all this pressure and good approach play Leeds, because of their poor finishing, never really looked like scoring. The fear during all this pressure was that Barnsley always looked as if they would increase their lead when they had the odd attack. With 10 nminutes to go Barnsley made a length of the field break and their tricky left winger again broke through to beat his marker and make the game save for Barnsley.
Despite all their efforts Leeds could not manage to score and Barnsley deservedly won this NMT game.
Leeds certainly missed the strength of Oliver James at the back, when he went off, and the pace of Cole Harrop upfront but one couldn't fault the effort shown by the Leeds lads in the difficult playing conditions.
F.T BARNSLEY 3 LEEDS 1
Match report Thursday 11th December 2008
ESFA U15 inter association trophy
Leeds U15s vs. Liverpool U15s (Away)
After the excellent team performance in the last round away to West Lancs, the reward was a trip to Liverpool, to face the current trophy holders and clear tournament favourites. On the night Liverpool fielded a 'select' team made up of key academy players from the city picked just for this prestigious competition. Leeds had the pick of the 17 lads we've had throughout the season. So a very tough 80 minutes ahead of the committed Leeds City Boys team at Walton Sports Centre, the specialist floodlit soccer centre purposely built by Liverpool City Council.
Straight from the kick off Liverpool showed their intent to pressurise Leeds and not let the visitors settle. For the next 25 minutes Leeds were unable to impose any kind of will of their own on the hosts but nonetheless restricted Liverpool to shots from outside of the box or set piece plays from corners. However it was clear that the spirit built up with a succession of good recent results was proving an irresistible force and both Luke Jones and Oliver James were putting up an impenetrable barrier. In midfield whilst Liverpool had craft and guile Leeds were quick to close down and both strikers proving willing outlets especially down the flanks.
After 25 minutes the unthinkable happened. Leeds had increased in confidence and Oliver James' clearance fell opportunistically at the feet of Cole Harrop, who 25 yards out sprinted through the two Liverpool academy centre backs towards the slow to respond keeper. Calmly slotting the ball through the keepers' legs Harrop then firmly struck the ball into the back of the net for a break away goal. For the next 15 minutes all of the team battled hard to keep onto a slender lead.
HT - Liverpool 0 Leeds 1
Grimly determined the Leeds team returned to the fray knowing that the next 40 minutes could provide a result to shock the U15s circuit. In the first half Nathan Lee had distinguished himself with a solid performance and a couple of fantastic saves. True to the spirit of the team Danny Priestly replaced Nathan at half time to share in the teams outstanding result, something the hosts could do well to learn from.
The second half proved to be truly inspirational to all of the watching Leeds parents and supporters who'd made the long journey. Every single player in the team fought tooth and nail for his team-mates and for his city. Liverpool mounted attack after attack and with the home based officials determined to provide as much assistance as possible it only seemed a matter of time before they equalised. Try as they might, and despite 4 very lenient free kicks on the edge of the box, Liverpool couldn't break through the defence. More importantly they couldn't get anything past Danny Priestly who stood up to everything thrown at him with feet, hands, knees and fists. Very late in the game with players totally exhausted Leeds almost added a second with one of the limited attacking moves of the second half and Casey O'Reilly was desperately unlucky not to score after a slick move.
The desperation was Liverpool's now and they streamed forward but failed to find the target and when the referee blew for full time to a man collapsed with disappointment and disbelief. It was however the total conviction and belief of those magnificent players from Leeds - none were boys on this special night - who succeeded in beating the reigning champions and clear tournament favourites . The next round will be equally as tough but everyone left in the competition will be wary of drawing Leeds from now on. A truly magnificent and inspiring performance from Leeds that is so deserving of a huge thank you from all of the privileged parents and spectators.
Full Time - Liverpool U15s 0 Leeds U15s 1
Match Report 29th November 2008
Leeds U.15's v Bradford U.15's Northern Merit Table
The conditions due to the heavy frost and fairly long grass made good football very difficult to achieve early in the game until both sides adapted their games to meet the requirements. It was a pity Leeds United couldn't adapt the way the Under 15's did. Perhaps if they had, Histon wouldn't be in the FA Cup any more.
Early on there was no flow to the game, until mid way through the half when Leeds began to dominate the match with their power play through the middle of the field. Following a Bradford foul on the right side of the field, near the penalty area Tom Eastwood curled a superb ball into the box for Oliver James to head into the top corner from close range - a quality cross and finish.
Just before half time Shaun Cundall broke through on the right and when the goalkeeper came out he cleverly placed the ball over him and into the empty net.
H.T. Leeds 2 Bradford 0
In the second half it was all Leeds. Harrison McPhee got the third with a superb curling shot over the keeper into the top corner of the goal. A fourth goal came soon afterwards, when following a good bout of inter passing Andy Hillerby broke through, rounded the keeper to score his first ever City goal.
Late in the game further goals by Cole Harrop and Jake Alleston completed the scoring and gave Leeds their best ever result against their local rivals.
For Leeds Cole Harrop, apart from his finishing, was outstanding at centre forward, while Andrew Hillerby in mid field and Tom Verney at the back had excellent games.
F.T. Leeds 6 Bradford 0
Match report Saturday 22nd November 2008
Leeds U15s vs. Rotherham U15s (Away)
With a good crowd of mixed Yorkshire parents, a colony or huddle of penguins and 22 frozen players AFTER their warm up, the ice scarred Rotherham pitch played host to a needle sharp wind and another good win for the Under 15s.
Desperate for the team to appear in headlines after a string of impressive wins Leeds tore into their South Yorkshire rivals with a confidence borne out of a previous 8-1 win against the same opponents. It didn't take long for Leeds to break down a stubborn home defence. A series of corners resulted in a goalmouth scramble after 10 minutes when Oliver James stabbed the ball home from 8 yards. The wind was a strong factor throughout the match and with the wind behind them in the first half Leeds provided a tornado of their own leading to a second goal after 20 minutes.
A clever ball played into the box and Cole Harrop with his back to goal took the ball on his chest, turned sharply and prodded the lamest of shots towards the keeper, who caught rabbit-like in the daze of the Leeds forward pushed the ball into the net. 2-0.
In fairness Rotherham were feisty in their play but rarely threatened in the first half other than gaining a booking in midfield. Leeds were very dominant in possession and produced a series of shots, notably from Connor Shearman and Harrison McPhee as well as Harrop. However much the advantage Leeds were unable to improve their goal difference before half-time with Rotherham slightly improving towards the end of the half
HT - Rotherham 0 Leeds 2
Leeds started the second half as emphatically as they did the first. All of the confident creative play was that of the Leeds team who impressively put together a string of multi passing moves, displaying a willingness to let the ball do the work. A passage of terrific team play in the first 15 minutes of the second half culminated in one of the best team goals of the season so far. Initiated by Wraithe Haley-Neilsen winning the ball in midfield, a short incisive pass played to Shaun Cundall who engineered a crisp 1-2 with Harrop and collected the return on the wing. Cundall whipped in a near perfect cross to the far post for Jake Alleston to volley the ball past a bewildered Rotherham keeper.
On the touchline the parents would have been forgiven for thinking 'Are we Arsenal in disguise?'. By now Leeds were an irresistable force piling on the pressure to the beleaguered and frustrated Rotherham defence. The referee forced to have words with a disgruntled defender. What was said we were unsure - there were no translators on the touchline of that deep South Yorks drawl.
But Leeds did their talking on the pitch and scored another cracking goal. It was a second for Cole Harrop who received the ball wide in midfield and took on the defenders with searing pace into the box shooting across the goalkeeper into the bottom corner after 62 minutes, making it 4-0.
Rotherham were a beaten team by now and despite trying to compensate with physical abandon they couldn't match the enthusiasm and skill of the visiting side. With only 1 defeat so far this season, and that in the very first game, Leeds continue to build a confident and exciting record.
Full Time - Rotherham U15s 0 Leeds U15s 4
Match report Saturday 15th November 2008
Leeds U15s vs. West Lancs U15s (Away) FA Youth Trophy
Resolve, Character, Determination and True Grit. This Leeds team has it all and in buckets!
Leeds Under 15s had previously played West Lancs at home in the first match of the season and truthfully had been soundly beaten by not only a very skilful side but a team that also had a hardened outer shell. So when the draw matched Leeds against our only victors this season it was clear they had to step up and be counted.
And some! Without any goals scored and few clear cut chances by the end of extra time both sides had given everything and enthralled the watching spectators to a fantastic spectacle of committed football.
No quarter was asked for or given. No half chance or break seized upon allowed to be converted as defenders threw body and soul into goal prevention. 100 minutes of intense running, crunching tackling and muscle straining aerial challenges brought no clear lead only desperate goal line clearances and body shuddering excersion.
A true gladiatorial contest with Nathan Lee making a stunning save in the first half to a quick break by West Lancs.
Leeds best moments came through pacey breaks and great interplay between Tom Bernie and Tom Eastwood and both having close long range shots. Luke Jones thundered a powerful header just over the bar from a deep placed corner.
HT - West Lancs 0 Leeds 0
The second half continued as the first had ended - NO QUARTER! Leeds threw themselves into the attack with Cole Harrop and Tom Eastwood launching powerful raids into the West Lancs defence who stood firm like a granite rock. Harrison McPhee almost caught the keeper out with a terrific volley from Eastwoods darting run and sharp cross. Harrop then went on a solo run through the middle and was sandwiched (fairly) by two defenders with last ditch tackles injuring themselves in the process.
Full Time - West Lancs U15s 0 Leeds U15s 0
It was increasingly becoming clear that something special was needed to break the deadlock and in the first period of extra time Harrop thought he'd scored with another surging run and clipped shot that was cleared off the line. In the second period West Lancs went close too with another thumping header just over the bar. But a result in open play wasn't to be and penalties were to be the cruel decider for two well matched teams
Extra Time - West Lancs U15s 0 Leeds U15s 0
And now to penalties. Five to each team and sudden death if necessary, with everyone the hero.
Words fail to paint the picture of tension, of joy and of heartache, but a drama unfolded with 20 spot kicks to reach a conclusion. The score stumbled on 2-1 to West Lancs for 5 consecutive saves and misses. It staggered again on 5-5 as the two groups of players arms interlocked prayed for their teams success. In the end It came to 3 last climatic actions. Immediately the chance to close the match and take Leeds forward into the next round. The Lancs keeper arms set, bouncing on the line in nervous anticipation - a shot corner bound and with good pace rising upwards - it's matched by a leap, an outstretched arm and a wonderful save. It remains 5-5, Advantage West Lancs. Come on Danny. And come on he does - it's a stunning save by Danny Priestley - Advantage Leeds.
Up steps James Leeman. A chance for glory - It's taken....It's a goal and Leeds are through!! Great joy for one group, sadness for the other but all can hold their heads high in producing such a special performance.
Match report Saturday 1st November 2008
Leeds U15s vs. Barnsley U15s (Away) - Yorkshire Trophy
A prospect to warm the hearts - a visit to a drizzly Barnsley on a chilly Saturday morning to play against a spirited and until now successful Barnsley side. Good news though as the sun broke through and Leeds responded with a workmanlike and ultimately victorious performance taking all three points towards the end of the game.
The first half started in a lacklustre fashion with neither side taking the upper hand and both guilty of giving the ball away on a regular basis. It warmed up after 10 minutes when Tom Eastwood, looking menacing on the left beat his fullback with ease and delivered a deep cross to the back of the 6 yard box. Harrison McPhee didn't leap like the proverbial salmon but rather looped his header over the advancing keeper - Leeds 1-0!
Overall however the quality remained surprisingly poor in touch, control and decision making (and not only with the vending machines). After 22 minutes Barnsley should have scored with their stock move, a free kick aimed towards the towering centre half. Fortunately (and frequently) his flick from an open position was directed wide of the post, when it was easier to score.
For most of the half the home team enjoyed slightly more of the possession but lacked any real threat other than set pieces with which to punish Leeds who were in need of some inspiration. Most of the Leeds play was concentrated on the left where Eastwood was tormenting his fullback, with good support from left back Tom Bernie. In one terrific run Eastwood beat two men and laid a superb ball across the six yard line which outwitted both the Leeds forwards and the Barnsley defence.
Just before halftime the first of two goals were disallowed. In true Rob Styles 'Style' the referee struck off a controversial equalising header after, you guessed right, another left hand free kick into the box and onto the head of the Barnsley Centre half. This attempt came off the bar into the path of the Barnsley winger and into the net. Despite local dialect difficulties it was clear to the Leeds contingent that the home crowd were unimpressed with the ref's decision.
HT - Barnsley 0 Leeds 1
At the start of the second half Mr Thornton changed his tactics and formation. Connor Shearman immediately let fly with an optimistic but powerful long range shot. After 50 minutes Eastwood, the most dangerous Leeds player to date, had a great opportunity to increase the lead with a strong run and shot into the side netting.
Barnsley started to wake up and a period of good possession lead to a fine save by Nathan Lee at the feet of the Barnsley centre forward which kept Leeds in the game. 62 minutes and yet another free kick lofted into the box by Barnsley saw another chance go begging as the centre half once more directed the ball past the post. Clearly a good tactic but with a poorly executed finish. The pressure had to tell and sure enough Barnsley equalised with a snappy run and shot by the left winger into the both near post corner - 1-1.
The turning point in a competitive game lacking in overall quality came with a second disallowed goal by Barnsley's striker who over enthusiastically bundled ball and Nathan into the net. A less controversial decision which acted as a wake up call for Leeds.
Cole Harrop then re-entered the game with 10 minutes to go and certainly had an impact. In such short time he went on two similar moves down the right wing using power, strength and determination with his running, dribbling past defenders but producing two very different results.
With 5 minutes to go his mazy run took him from wide right wing, through the defence, past the outstretched keeper and into the completely undefended goal. And a goal surely beckoned! But NO! Was it a bobble? Was it a divot? Was it fatigue? Or all of these as Harrop found the space wide of the goal more enticing than the 8 yards of unattended open space. Such memories are made for the crowd, but more importantly the edgy parents!
The chance had gone and there were only minutes remaining for Leeds when a through ball from Jake Alleston found its way to Harrop in the familiar right wing position with defender and goalkeeper to beat. He did, clipping the ball over the keeper and past the despairing goal-line lunge of the centre half. Redemption indeed!
Special mention for the performance of the back four and in particular Luke Jones.
Final Score
Full Time - Barnsley U15s 1 Leeds U15s 2
Match report Saturday 25th October 2008
Leeds U15s vs. Preston U15s (Away) - Friendly
From the opening minutes it was clear that this game would be a cracker, full of goals and incident, with flowing end to end football played in good spirit and commitment from both sides.
In the first ten minutes Leeds had the upper hand although Preston broke with speed and neat inter-passing. The first real opportunity came after 12 minutes when a cutting through ball from Jake Alleston put Cole Harrop one on one with the defender who was beaten for pace and scythed the Leeds striker down - PENALTY! Connor Shearman stepped up and struck a venomous shot into the roof of the net. Almost from the kick off Leeds made it 2-0 when Harrop sprinted past two defenders on the right wing taking the ball along the byline and cutting into the six yard box to coolly slot the ball over the keeper.
Leeds then piled on the pressure for the next 25 minutes created a number of unconverted chances. However Preston were gradually coming back into the game and were rightly rewarded with a swift break and well taken goal.
HT - Preston 1 Leeds 2
So onto an amazing second half filled with thrills, spills and goals - 7 in all.
Preston were an altogether more competitive team in the second half and made a number of continuous substitutions. They were soon in the ascendancy and equalised very early on - 2-2.
This in turn saw a short period of Leeds pressure which resulted in a fine run from Harrop who played the ball into the box from the right wing for Casey O'Reilly to fire past the Preston keeper at the second attempt from 8 yards - 3-2. Leeds continued however to be just as adventurous and in doing so left themselves exposed at the back going behind to a smart run and shot, 3-3.
Unbelievably with the game now flowing with end to end football, in difficult rain swept conditions by this time, Preston went ahead for the first time in the match with a scrambled goal - 4-3.
Courage and determination in the build up by Harrison McPhee and Tom Eastwood lead to the best goal of the game and a stunning 25 yard screamer from Eastwood which rocketed into the top corner almost straight from the kick off - 4-4!
Back to the other end and whilst the midfield battle was fairly even Preston took the lead for the second time beating the defence with a neat passing move and 6 yard strike - 5-4 Preston. Time was running out for Leeds but they didn't panic and fitting for a team full of confidence after a string of impressive performances they equalised with only minutes to go. Tom Eastwood put an exquisite through ball from the centre spot just in front of Harrop who outpaced the defence with a thirty yard sprint and slotted the ball past the Preston Keeper from 12 yards - 5-5!
The supporters were just as breathless as the players in what turned out to be the match of the season so far. Both sides were totally committed to open football and dreadful conditions towards the end, but more than that the level of skill and ability were extremely high.
Full Time - Preston U15s 5 Leeds U15s 5
Match report Saturday 18th October 2008 Leeds U15s vs. Nottingham (Away)
Whilst Leeds had the best of the chances in the first half there was little to note from Nottingham going forward and in reality both sides cancelled themselves out in terms of creative play.
The best chance for Leeds fell to lone striker Cole Harrop who outpaced the Nottingham defence and chipped his shot over the bar in the first 10 minutes. Nottingham created an opportunity on the right hand side and their forward struck a low shot at the near post which was smartly turned away for a corner by Nathan
HT - Nottingham 0 Leeds 0
It was an altogether different story in the second half as Leeds launched into attack after attack with some neat and swift passing football driven on by Harrison and Connor in midfield. Tom Eastwood along with Casey O'Reilly was a constant thorn in the side of Nottingham as well as a delight to watch with their intricate passing.
After 10 minutes of the second half O'Reilly got the reward he deserved firing in an 8 yard volley past the keeper after a series of corners. This started a 15 minute period of Leeds pressure with confidence running high throughout the team and Nottingham having little to offer.
A second goal was looking likely and sure enough came after 25 minutes after Harrop went on a forceful right wing run before crossing into the box for Eastwood, still with some work to do coolly place the ball wide of the Nottingham goalkeeper from 10 yards.
It was starting to look comfortable for Leeds and the chance to avenge last years' loss when Nottingham made two substitutions that immediately had the desired effect. As play became more open it flowed from end to end for the last ten minutes. Sure enough Nottingham broke through the centre of the previously resolute defence and Nathan Lee made a superb save at the feet of the substitute striker. With only a few minutes left Nottingham pulled a goal back after a right wing cross was hammered first time into the bottom corner from 12 yards.
Leeds were very accomplished for most of the second half with some neat inter-passing and driving play from team captain Harrison McPhee and centre half Oliver James. A deserved win and confidence continues to grow with each successive winning performance.
Full Time - Nottingham U15s 1 Leeds U15s 2
LEEDS U.15's at Home to WIGAN U.15's
1st Round of the English Schools' Trophy
Saturday 4th October at the David Young Academy
Leeds made a very confident start to this important Cup Tie. Apart from an odd Wigan break it was constant Leeds pressure and after 12 minutes this pressure was rewarded, when the referee gave Leeds a penalty for holding in the area. Connor Shearman coolly slotted the ball home to give Leeds a deserved lead. Within 10 minutes Leeds scored two further goals, with a far post header from George Hancock and a superb drive from Harrison McPhee. Late in the half Tom Eastwood drove through to put Leeds four up. Close to half time Wigan pulled a goal back to make it 4 - 1.
Wigan started brightly in the second half scoring again and then had a near miss which would have put them right back into the game. Leeds fortunately stepped up a gear and regained the initiative. They were given a free kick 10 yards outside the penalty area and Shaun Cundall smacked a fierce shot into the top corner.
In the closing minutes Cole Harrop and George Hancock scored further goals to give Leeds a 7 - 2 victory. This puts us in the 2nd Round of the Trophy where we have to travel away to Chorley SFA.
For Leeds Connor Shearman was outstanding in the defensive holding role and George Hancock had his best game of the season upfront.
LEEDS U.15's at home to SPEN VALLEY
Yorkshire Trophy - Group Match
Saturday 11th October
With a much changed team Leeds understandably made a slow start to the game and Spen Valley had as much of the play as their hosts. After 20 minutes however Leeds stepped up the pace and Cole Harrop was fed with a good ball to beat the keeper with a fierce shot. Tom Eastwood then drove through to score an excellent goal with a clever one two with Casey O'Reilly.
Just before half time the Leeds goalkeeper unfortunately let one slip through his hands to let Spen Valley back into the game.
In the second half Leeds had most of the play and should have killed off the game; unfortunately however another defensive error gave Spen Valley the equaliser. In the last quarter however Leeds dominated the game and it came as no surprise when Cole Harrop scored two more goals to give him an hat trick and Leeds a 4 - 2 victory.
Match report Saturday 27th Sept 2008 Leeds U15s vs. Rotherham (Home)
On a bright sunny morning played on the jungle that is known as Priesthorpe School, Leeds U15s completed a comprehensive victory over South Yorkshire rivals, Rotherham schools. The half time score of 2-0 give little impression of the goal feast to come with Leeds eventually running out 7-1 winners.
Rotherham took 15 minutes to settle but in that time showed neat short passing made difficult by the long grass of the pitch. Leeds were almost immediately in front with a flowing move down the left wing through Tom E, George Hancock and Cole Harrop. After 30 minutes Leeds took the lead with a great move and interplay between Hancock and the scorer Casey O'Reilly who struck his shot beyond the keeper. Hancock was in outstanding form as his movement, strength and determination created the second goal for himself just before half time, on the end of a good passing move involving Tom E and O'Reilly. In fact it was the wide play of Leeds throughout the match that proved a decisive factor.
HT - Leeds 2 Rotherham 0
Early into the second half and Hancock adds a third goal, and his second from 8 yards after a great cross-field ball from O'Reilly, a neat touch and shot into near post corner. Almost from the kick off Leeds launch another swift move along the left wing and clever play from Tom E and Luke finished off with a crisp side-foot volley from the edge of the six yard box, 4-0. By this time the Leeds team were playing their best football of the season and passing the ball as if their opponents weren't there. A fifth followed as birthday boy Hancock drove across the face of the box and towards goal and a hapless Rotherham defender diverting the ball into the net. OG or George's hat-trick? What wasn't in doubt was the quality of the Leeds play throughout the team.
Rotherham however weren't too dispirited. A good 10 minute spell culminated in two terrific strikes at goal, the first hitting the bar and the second coming out from the rebound lashed into the top of the net.
With 15 minutes to go Leeds again were on top as Cole Harrop, replacing the man of the match Hancock , surged past two defenders and poked the ball past the keeper. 5 minutes later a terrific move between Shaun Wilson and Wraith resulted in Wilson's cross flicked in by Harrop for his second. Wilson in fact nearly scored an eighth goal with a vicious shot flying over the bar.
Leeds U15s face another home match next week in the English youth trophy against Wigan.
Match report Saturday 20th Sept 2008 Leeds U15s vs Hyndburn & District (Away)
In a hugely competitive match played in near perfect conditions, Leeds U15s secured a hard won 4-3 win away to a physical Hyndburn team. Leeds had the better of the opening minutes and went ahead after 5mins with a neat cross shot into the bottom corner from Jake Alleston. Hyndburn picked up their game and scored 2 goals in as many minutes to lead 2-1. With play increasingly end to end Leeds equalised after 35 minutes with a strong left wing run by Cole Harrop who slipped the ball inside to Tom Easton who scored with a crisp low shot past the keeper. Unfortunately Leeds couldn't hang on and just before the break Hynburn nudged ahead with another well taken goal.
HT - Hyndurn & District U15s 3 Leeds U15s 2
The second half saw a change in tactics with Leeds looking to play the ball much more on the floor. This proved to be a lot more effective despite surviving a couple of terrific swift attacks from Hyndburn and a couple of shots onto post and bar. Leeds deservedly equalised for the second time through Tom Easton after an incisive ball inside the full back by Casey O'Reilly. A Flurry of attacks by both sides deserved better and after a succession of corners for the home side, Leeds launched a counter attack from the goalkeeper, Danny Priestley with Cole Harrop picking the ball up from inside the Hyndburn half, sprinting past the defender and coolly chipping the onrushing keeper from 20 yards into the net. With seconds remaining Harrop had a repeat opportunity but this time the keeper made an outstanding save low down to his right.
FT - Hyndburn & District U15s 3 Leeds U15s 4