U14 Match Reports 2008-09
Saturday 22 December 2008 Barnsley Schools FA U14 6 v 2 Leeds Schools FA U14
In the last game before Xmas, it was the Leeds Boys who fully embraced the spirit of giving and friendship as they shipped six goals to their peers from Barnsley.
To be fair to the lads, mysterious injuries and absences meant that the squad was reduced to 11 with no opportunity to make substitutions whether for injury or form on the day.
Buoyed by their victory earlier in the season, the Barnsley boys set out like a pack of dogs, and with some of the tackles which were flying in, this was more truth than analogy. However, they also had skill and pace amongst the pack, and Leeds did well to hang on for the first 15 minutes, thanks, in part to some fine shot stopping from Ashley.
It was galling that the first goal came from a foul throw taken from the wrong place, although two weak tackles allowed the Barnsley forward time to sqeeze the ball inside the near post via Ashley's legs. 1-0.
The ball wasn't sticking up front, but Leeds had a couple of half chances to equalise before half time which they spurned.
We hoped that Barnsley may have shot their bolt, and that a goal for Leeds would change the complexion of the game. However, that view was quickly changed as 5 minutes into the second half Barnsley scored their second as Leeds failed to mark from a corner.
Goals three, four and five followed within the next 10 minutes as Leeds were over-run. Heads dropped, tackles were missed, passes were misplaced, and despite plenty of shouting on the pitch, there was no cohesion between defence, midfield and the forwards.
With 15 minutes to go, Barnsley scored their sixth, and if this had been a boxing match, the referee would have stopped the bout.
However, as Barnsley relaxed Leeds showed some quality for the first time. Mark Simpson hit the crossbar, Simon rounded the keeper but could not force the ball home, and the Barnsley keeper was forced into a couple of decent saves.
Ashley Slater then curled a free kick into the box for Cameron Iverson to stab home, and followed that up with a mazy run and left foot shot which crawled into the net.
There was just time for a Barnsley player to lose a tooth in an aerial challenge which brought disgraceful comments from the Barnsley contingent of which they should be thoroughly ashamed.
A disappointing end to 2008, but hopefully, a real kick up the backside to produce improvements in 2009
Saturday 29 November 2008 Leeds Schools FA U14 2 v 3 Bradford Schools FA U14
After last week's victory, it was back to earth for the Leeds Boys in a game that they should have won, and most certainly should not have lost.
Things started brightly as Leeds chased and pressurised their West Yorkshire rivals.
Luke put an early chance wide, but after great work down the left by Mark Simpson, his pass found Jackson Walker whose shot flew over the keeper's head into the net. 1-0 and fully deserved.
Leeds spurned further chances to increase their lead , largely from set pieces, and as the fog rolled in to greet the second half there was the ominous view that Leeds may regret this.
And so it proved.
Half time substitutions were made which initially unsettled the flow, and it only took 3 minutes for Bradford to equalise.
A cross from the right hand side was volleyed home unchallenged from the edge of the six yard box. 1-1
Bradford had the momentum and took the lead six minutes later. A long shot came back off the crossbar, and whilst the defence ball watched, play was switched to the left where an unmaked forward was able to side foot home. 1-2
Leeds responded magnificently with an equaliser within 60 seconds. Good interplay between Mark Simpson and Olly Bryant saw the ball squared for Simon N to pass into the net. 2-2.
Both sides went for the winner, and Leeds came closest. Firstly, Jackson wriggled free and his goalbound shot hit the legs of the Bradford keeper before creeping agonizingly wide of the post. He came even closer a couple of minutes later when his smart turn and shot from the edge of the box came back off the inside of the post.
But it was Bradford who snatched the winner in the last 5 minutes when the Leeds keeper could not hold a cross and the ball was forced home.
Luke ended the game as he had started it, with a great chance that just slipped past the post.
A bitter defeat but with many learning points that can be taken into the next game
Saturday 22 November 2009 Rotherham Schools FA U14 1 v 2 Leeds Schools FA U14
Winter arrived in South Yorkshire to greet the Leeds Boys which also heralded the first outing of the season for the parents' thermal underwear.
It was also the first game of the season to be negatively impacted by the weather conditions as a biting, stiff wind below from one end of the pitch to another.
However, despite playing against the wind in the first half, Leeds adapted vey well and took the lead after five minutes. The ball was played forward allowing Simon Simon to outpace the defence and slip past the advancing keeper. 1-0.
Rotherham pressed and had the advantage of the slope as well as the wind, but despite possession and territory, they never really looked dangerous.
Leeds however, always looked lively, and Luke went close on a couple of occasions. His reward came with 10 minutes of the first half remaining when his looping shot from outside the box deceived the Rotherham keeper and found it's way into the roof of the net. 2-0.
It was something of a surprise when Rotherham pulled a goal back just before the break- not least because of the quality of the move with a diagonal pass freeing up the right winger whose first time deep cross was met, again first time, with a side footed volley. 2-1.
For the second fixture in a row, all the goals came in the first half. The second 35 minutes were dominated by Leeds who both used the wind for the long ball, and also to facilitate a much better passing game.
Rotherham almost equalised on the break, but Ashley saved smartly with his legs.
Leeds had half chances to extend their lead with the closest being when Jackson's left footed curling shot came back off the crossbar.
In the end, it was as comfortable as 2-1 gets, and gave good evidence that the boys CAN hold onto a lead, and grind out a result in less than ideal conditions.
Let's hope for a little more global warming before next week's game !"
Saturday 8 November 2008 Leeds Schools FA U14 3 v 3 York Schools FA U14
It is something of a cliche to say that this was a game of two halves, but with six goals in the first 35 minutes, and none in the second, the cliche is true.
The game was played in typical November conditions...cold and drizzly on a damp pitch.However, that did not stop an entertaining game which resembled basketball as each team took turns to attack and defend.
Leeds raced into a two goal lead with Luke Tempest at his predatory best. First he finished off Mark Simpson's low cross with a side footed volley, and secondly when he climbed into a deep cross from Simon N to head home.
Two nil up after 10 minutes gave Leeds control and confidence, but against the run of play a speculative shot from outside the box came back off the Leeds keeper, Ashley Battensby and was poked home from three yards. 2-1
This gave York an extra spring to their step and in a flurry of goals within the last seven minutes of the half, they equalised as a defensive header could only reach the edge of the box before being smashed home. 2-2.
Leeds responded immediately when Luke ran onto a flick from Mark Simpson and was able to slip past the keeper. 3-2.
There was just enough time for York to restore parity when a deep cross could not be cleanly gathered by Ashley and the ball was forced home from close range. 3-3
Greater discipline in both team's defences and midfield saw a much closer game in the second half, and there were only half chances for both teams. However, the game remained competitive and well balanced, although Leeds definitely ended the stronger. With a little more luck, they could have snatched a winner, and came closest when Ashley Slater's header was cleared off the line.
Like Arsenal, the Leeds boys need to go out and buy themselves a dog, so that they can learn to hold onto a lead !! "
Saturday 25 October 2008 Preston Schools FA U14 1 v 4 Leeds Schools FA U14
The first match after trials, and goodbye to a few familiar faces and hello to some new arrivals. The Leeds squad arrived in the North West dertemined to justify the faith shown in them by the Management team, and carved out a very impressive victory.
On the day that winter quite literally arrived, the game was played on a good pitch, but in cold conditions and incessant rain. It was a wonder that good football could be played, but it was by both sides.
The early chances came Leeds way, and the best fell to Ashley Slater who firstly just cleared the bar with a volley and secondly when his flick header was cleared off the line.
Preston looked lively and attempted to play a quick passing game. mainly on the break.
Leeds took a little time to find their shape as 3 debutants started the game with Tom Roberts commanding at the back.
It was therefore a little against the run of play when Preston took the lead. The Leeds midfield parted like the Red Sea and allowed the Preston number 8 to advance unchalleged and toe poke the ball past Declan from 20 yards.
Leeds reacted well and landed a massive psycological blow when they equalised on the stroke of half time. Good work on the right by Luke saw his deep cross fumbled by the keeper with the rebound placed home by Max P-C. 1-1.
The momentum had swung and Leeds dominated the second half. After 15 minutes, nice passing down the left hand side saw the ball moved into the box where Max was on hand to lift the ball into the top corner and beyond the despairing dive of the keeper. 2-1.
Simon Nyoumhunga marked his debut with two goals in the second half. The first came following a goal kick which was flicked on by Jackson allowing Simon to firstly show his electric pace and then his skill as he rounded the keeper and slid into the net. 3-1
His second came as he lashed home from the edge of the box aided by a massive deflection. 4-1.
It could have been and should have been more, but this should not take away from an excellent team performance.
With a big squad, everyone will need to be at the top of their game to guarantee a starting place, but on this form the rest of the season holds great promise. "
Saturday 18 October 2008 Nottingham Schools FA U14 3 v 2 Leeds Schools FA U14
After two successive wins, it was back to earth ( or at least Nottingham ) this week for the Leeds Boys.
From the outset, it looked a challenge as various absences meant that there were only 11 players available for selection, and fingers remained for no injuries.
However, it is a credit to the boys that they threw themselves fully into the game, and dominated the first half against good quality opposition.
The University fields always encourage a passing game, and this is what Leeds produced. They were strong in the tackle, creative in their passing and willing to run their legs off.
They almost took the lead after 10 minutes when Mark Simpsons low cross found Jackson's diving head, but unfortunately the ball found the keepers midriff.
As in 2007, Nottingham looked most dangerous when counter-attacking with pace. DEclan had to rush off his line to black a shot from such a break, when the ball being fired wired from the rebound.
After 25 minutes Leeds went a goal up from the penalty spot. An unnecessary barge from a beefy central defender was penalised, and Ashley Slater stepped up to fire home, and cement his impressive first half performance. 1-0 which reamined the score at half time.
It only took Nottingham 5 minutes of the second half to find their equaliser. The pacy left winger started his run from the half way line and was too quick for three Leeds defenders before firing across the face of the goal into the far corner.
It got worse for Leeds 5 minutes later when the ball was given away in midfield and tackles were again missed. Nathan tried to recover, but his last ditch tackle only succeeded in bringing the forward down. A blatent penalty which was unerringly dispatched. 2-1.
As Leeds pressed forward looking for the equaliser, they left gaps and played into Nottingham's hands. Another break down the left saw the ball fired across the box and hit a Nottingham backside before nestling in the net.
3-1 and game over as Leeds legs tired with no opportunity for substitutions, tactical or otherwise.
Leeds gave themselves faint hope when the ball was squared to Jackson who picked his spot from 20 yards and fired over the keeper for his second goal of the season. 3-2
However, the game was soon over, and all Leeds could console themselves with was a great first half and great credit for the 11 boys who gave their all. "
Saturday 11 October Leeeds Schools FA U14 3 v 0 Spen Valley Schools FA U14
Leeds continued their winning ways in a hard fought battle against their peers from Spen Valley.
In autumnal conditions, and on a pitch with the grass slightly too long to allow slick passing this game was something of a curiosity. There were 3 goals but only 5 shots on target all game, and not too may off target !
Both teams were quickly out of the traps with the Spen players determined to show their passion as well as their studs. This passion was matched on the sidelines by the Spen Coaching team, and made for a very competitive friendly.
As stated, chances were few and far between and it was 30 minutes of helter skelter fooyball before Leeds went ahaed.
The ball was moved from left to right, with Luke's final pass finding Mark Simpson wide on the right, unmarked and just inside the box. He had time to control and fire across the keep into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. 1-0.
This prompted Spen into direct action and a looping shot from outside the box forced Declan Flowers into a stunning save as he clawed the ball from under the bar to over the bar.
The second half saw the same pattern of huff and puff and it was 20 minutes before Leeds looked threattening when James Cunliffe's header just cleared the bar.
As the game entered into it's final period, Spen looked the more likely to score as they pressed forward relentlessly. Firstly, a shot was lifted and curled past the angle of post and crossbar, and then Declan had to be alert to push away a snapshot at his near post.
It was something of a surprise and relief when Leeds doubled their talley. The ball broke to Luke just inside the box and instinctively he fired powerfully across the keeper. 2-0.
As Spen's heads dropped, Leeds were buoyed and good battling by Mark Simpson gave him the opportunity to shoot home from 12 yards. 3-0 and game over.
Another stiff test for Leeds, but perhaps their most convincing performance as more players were restored to familiar positions.
With trials loomimg, everyone is now playing for their place.
Saturday 27 September 2008 Leeds Schools FA U14 3 v 2 Rotherham Schools FA U14
The Leeds Boys reacted very well to last week's defeat and responded with a hard fought victory against South Yorkshire rivals Rotherham.
Their first half display was particulary impressive, and they completely dominated the opposition in every aspect of the game. There was pace, movement, support, and slick.precise passing.
Tez and Luke both had a couple of chances to open the scoring, but these were spurned, and it looked as though the first half might end goaless. However, Robert making an industrious if unfamilar appearance in midfield won a free kick on the right hand side. This was beautifully floated in by Jackson and met powerfully by Ashley Slater. 1-0 to Leeds.
Almost immediately, Leeds scored their second. A lovely flowing passing movement of pace saw the ball pushed wide to Jackson just inside the box, and his well angled shot across the keeper saw the ball creep inside the far post. 2-0.
Leeds came out of the traps early in the second half and scored a third which would surely make the game safe. Industrious work down the right hand side by Max P-C resulted in the ball being pulled back to the edge of the box where it was met with a first time low shot from Kyra which left the keeper standing.
To be fair to Rotherham, they never gave up trying and half way through the second half they scored what looked like a consolation goal. The ball broke to the edge of the box and was scooped over the diving Declan.
As Leeds became fatigued in the heat, and as substitutions/positional changes resulted in a loss of rhythm, Rotherham took charge.
Declan was called upon to make a couple of outstanding saves to prevent a further goal, but was unable to prevent this from eventually coming when a first time strike at his near post surprised everyone and found it's way into the net.
With 10 minutes remaining, it was backs to the wall time, and it needed Ashley, Nathan and Robert to be at the best tokeep out the marauding attackers.
Leeds knew that it was their day when a shot from 20 yards was finger-tipped onto the inside of the post by Declan with the ball rebounding to safety.
Relief at the final whistle was tangible, but the victory was just about deserved based on the first half performance. A return to winning ways is nice to report. Let's hope that there's more to come."
Saturday 20 September 2008 Hyndburn Schools FA U14 3 v 1 Leeds Schools FA U14
The hopes and expectations associated with a new season were aired in sunny Lancashire as boys and parents took their passports and travelled the 50 something miles over the border to near Clitheroe.
They were met by a strong Hyndburn side who looked assured and comfortable throughout the game.
The same cannot be said for Leeds who looked rusty and disjointed and who struggled to find last season's natural passing game.
Things started brightly for Leeds with Luke causing problems early on and Nathan coming close with a header. It was therefore no surprise when Leeds took the lead after 10 minutes. Tez's pass found Jackson in space and his first time pass released Luke to out pace the defence and slot past the advancing keeper . 1-0 to Leeds.
Little did the watching parents know that this would be as good as it got !!
Hyndburn reacted postively to the set back and dominated both territory and possession. After a succession of half chances, they scored following a break down the right hand side by the pacey winger whose low cross was forced home at the far post. 1-1.
Leeds had a chance to restore their lead following nice interplay between Jackson and Luke. Unfortunately, Jackson's attempt to lift the ball over the keeper only succeeded in an easy catch.
Worse was to come with 5 minutes of the half remaining as the right winger again caused havoc, and despite having two chances to clear the ball was smashed past new keeper Declan. 1-2.
Seven minutes into the second half, the game was over as a Hyndburn midfielder was allowed to advance unopposed and from 25 yards out fire over Declan into the roof of the net. 1-3
Leeds huffed and puffed for the remainder of the half without any real fluidity, and they had to thank Declan for keeping the score respectable with a couple of brave saves.
Whilst they did most of the pressing, the opposition looked more dangerous on the break
A disappointing start with the boys looking like an undercooked team that hadn't sufficiently played or trained enough prior to the game.
New faces will have to be accomodated and new management given time to find players' natural and best positions, and we look forward to improvements in next week's home game."