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Two firecracker strikes from Tom Hitchcock and a sharp finish from Joe Liddell put a dampener on Altofts hopes of a first win for the season. City opened brightly and soon settled to their trademark pass and move game which drew some robust challenges from a strong home defence for which central defender Beardsley was particular dominant. A series of trips and rash tackles by the home side went unpunished as the referee took a suprisingly lenient approach to some intimidating play. After a torrid first ten minutes, the home team began to find some rhythm but promisiing attacks were stifled by good defensive work from the Leeds midfield. Altofts won a series of left wing corners which were well defended by the visiting team whose goalkeeper, Gill, looked to be in impressive form. The Leeds midfield continued to test a resolute home defence who, although troubled by forceful runs from Connolly and Cameron, seemed content to sit back and soak the pressure. Crawley and Thompson decided that the best way to breach the Altofts defensive barrier was to shoot from distance but they only managed to trouble some migrating waterfowl. On the quarter hour Leeds looked to have a real chance when the Altofts goalkeeper, Streak, appeared to handle the ball outside of the area as he failed to deal with the onrushing Connolly. The referee awarded a free kick on the edge of the box but inexplicably failed even to caution the lucky Streak. Two minutes later Streak was an admiring spectator as Hitchcock, thirty yards out, tricked his marker and side stepped a second challenge before unleashing an unstoppable shot that arrowed into the far corner of the home net. Viewers of MotD will have marvelled at Elano's strike later that day. They did not see Hitchcock's bullet finish! City were on top but not totally comfortable. Cameron and Hitchcock continued to power in efforts but the opposition were still very much in the game. A further series of fouls went unpunished and inevitably Connolly sought to redress the wrong. He was booked for retaliation and did not endear himself to the referee with his lengthy protests. The half was playing out when City extended their lead. Unbelievably it was a goal almost to rival the first; unbelievably it was a second strike from Hitchcock; unbelievably it was a right foot drive of almost equal quality. Streak, Beardsley and Butcher could only admire the quality of the finish as the ball flew into the net. The second half opened in competeive fashion. Far from being beaten, Altofts, to their credit, came out fighting. Unfortunately, so did Connolly and after another late and unpunished tackle, the red mist descended and City were left to play 30 minutes with ten men. Altofts seized their opportunity and threw men forward. City began to drop too deep and a miscued clearance allowed the home team to break. Gill parried the first attempt but the ball broke loose to Skinner who crossed for Badger to head home. An injury to Garvey and the withdrawal of Thompson saw the introduction of Topham and Readgreave. Topham slotted in at full back and Redgreave was posted up front to hold up play and drag the defenders out of position. The ploy was successful when, following a period of sustained Altofts pressure, Redgreave picked out Topham forward run on the left flank. The makeshift defender deftly beat a challenging lunge before chipping a pass to the edge of the box where it was met by Liddell's classy sidefoot volley. The introduction of Lumley to an unaccustomed role at left full back helped shore up the defence but the three points were not secured until the 101st minute when the referee finally blew time on the leg weary Beardsley, Badger and Co.
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