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Defeat halts City's progress |
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Written by Tom Liddell
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Tuesday, 22 August 2006 |
Leeds lined up slightly under strength notable absentees from pre-season, included Connolly and Crawley. Despite the players missing Leeds still had a strong squad out for its first game the only weakened areas were defense where Leeds unfortunately had no cover. Leeds started in sluggish fashion and could not keep possession. There play seemed rushed and they did not create any promising openings. In fact it was Nostell who deserved the lead.
There impressive striker Oli Johnson won a corner which was headed home after Liddell had failed to clear. Moments later Johnson made his namesake Johnson put the ball behind for a second Nostell corner. Richards and Cameron failed to deal with the smart run by Walker and Nostell were suddenly two goals to the good much to the displeasure of the on watching Tom Liddell. The game looked over and Leeds needed a boost but unfortunately for them Harkin picked up a hip injury which forced Leeds into a change. With no defensive cover, Neil Topham made his entrance and was thrown up-front, Saunders dropped to the left with Liddell moving in-field and Bishop moved into the back three. Leeds looked shaky for the next five minutes and were nearly punished when Dave Nichols attempted to lob Richards form a tight angle. Leeds however gained some momentum and started to push forward. Thompson began to look lively on the right for Leeds and started to get some service up to the front men. Topham held the ball up well and supported Stone comfortably. His strength and ariel ability was what Leeds needed against a strong Nostell back four. Liddell looked livelier in a more central position alongside Cameron and Leeds suddenly began to look threatening. Thompson came close with a free-kick after Cameron had been recklessly challenged by Davies. Cameron also had a shot blocked by his own player, Saunders that was goal-bound. Saunders mis-directed a header from a Thompson cross as Leeds mounted the pressure. Browne blazed over from 25 yards before Leeds created there best opening of the game, Cameron threaded a ball through to the on-running Stone but he couldn’t touch it away from Darby the Nostell goalkeeper. As Leeds pressed for a goal the half-time whistle blew. Leeds came out in the second half firing on all cylinders, Browne fizzed a shot in from distance that tested Darby. Cameron had an effort from long range that was close, and Stone volleyed over. A goal looked certain for Leeds and they pressed forward. Ray nodded a cross from Thompson to the far post but Stone could not connect and missed a wonderful opportunity. The goal came in the 56th minute, Cameron picked the ball up from distance and struck a shot the deflected to Darby’s left. This was just what Leeds deserved as they took control of the game. Ray and Johnson were winning everything at the back, Liddell, Browne and Cameron worked tirelessly. Leeds had chances Saunders cut in from the left and shot straight at Darby. Thompson shot wide from distance and credit to Nostell they frustrated Leeds to long range efforts as they defended well. Nostell cleared a ball up field in the 72nd minute, Nichols gave chase but Rey mopped up superbly he rolled the ball to Richards who took a touch and slipped, Nichols took full advantage of the stranded keeper and closed in from the right he finished at a tight angle despite Johnson’s efforts. Leeds were down to a two goal margin again, but still fought on. Liddell withdrew with an injury and was replaced by Danny Brown, who looked out of shape. Topham came close with an effort from 16 yards and Stone misdirected a header over. Leeds battled bravely but defeat looked inevitable on the first day of the season. Pepper made a late entrance and despite his efforts was not rewarded. Nostell held on for the victory but were by no means the more convincing side. Team; Richards, Harkin (Topham 28mins), Johnson, Ray, Bishop, Cameron, Thompson, Liddell (Brown 72mins), Saunders, Stone (Pepper 83mins). Not used: Redgrave, PotterGoalscorer: Cameron 56thBooked: Liddell (dissent) MY THOUGHTS There were lots of positives for Leeds to draw from the game as they looked the better side. There is also things they will have to work on to improve as a team. One thing is for sure that Nostell will be difficult to beat but we will be prepared for them at home. I believed before the game they would be one of our toughest opponents. They were not better than Leeds Met or Knaresborough but they got the victory. I couldn’t decide on a man of the match but I thought Mitch was outstanding with his effort and big Chris at the back was very comfortable. It’s a long season and hopefully we can correct that on Saturday and I will look forward to that with great pleasure.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 25 August 2006 )
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