|
Leeds Combination League Division 1
03 February 2008 South Leeds United 2 - 6 Leeds City Rovers Leeds City Rovers battled there way to a well deserved victory in an enthralling game to complete their forth victory in a row. Paul Wills yet again grabbed the headlines with four more superb strikes to add to his remarkable tally of goals this season and Nick Wilson and Lev Watach also chipped in with a goal each from midfield. Despite conceding two goals, the North Leeds side always looked good value for their win against their South City rivals and in truth the score could have been even more convincing. There were no changes from the starting eleven that beat Armley the week earlier however manager Stewart Wilson was without the duo Alastair Jackson and Tom Maxwell. He did however welcome new signing Johnny Richies back into the squad after the former star signed contracts on deadline day to bolster the clubs quest for silverware this season. He joined a subs bench which included Chris Pugh and the manager himself, who was looking to make more of an impact than his last appearance against the same opposition!
The game started at a good tempo with both sides trying to get the ball down and play, however as the game unfolded both sides found it increasingly difficult on a very bumpy surface. The first chance of note fell to Paul Wills who found himself in behind United’s defensive line but could only fire straight at the keeper. A few minutes later a similar opportunity fell to Paul Marriott who again couldn’t beat the South Leeds shot stopper. The game continue to be a tight contest with South Leeds doing well to keep Rovers at bay and it took a moment of inspiration to break the deadlock. With around 10 minutes of the first half remaining a long throw from Joe Magnal was met superbly by the head of Lev Watach who guided the ball brilliantly into the goalkeepers left hand corner. South Leeds almost had an immediate response as Craig Wilson was caught in possession however Mitch covered his defensive partner brilliantly with a goal saving tackle. United came close again before the interval when a well hit shot from the left of the area was superbly saved by the impressive John Bell. At half time Richard Reagan who was suffering from a suspected hangover was removed as a precaution and Johnny Richies replaced him. The second half kicked off in a similar manner to where it had left off in the first, with both sides finding it difficult to create any consistent tempo to their game. Slowly Rovers began to assert their authority on the game and were relieved when star striker Paul Wills doubled the visitors lead when he left his marker for dead with a smart turn and then smashed the ball past the static keeper. With a cushion established a third soon followed, with possibly the best move of the game. A flowing move down the right resulted in a teasing cross being well met by the head of Wills who moved onto 30 goals for the season. At this point Rovers were in complete control and despite a few half chances for the home side which were well saved by John the lead only ever looked at being extended. Chris Pugh replaced Paul Marriot allowing Geoff to move further forward and Howard moved up front. It was Nick Wilson who grabbed the fourth after a well worked move between Geoff and Howard down the right and the captain drove the ball past the goalkeeper. At 4-0 a little complacency or tiredness affected Rovers and they began to take their foot off the pedal. It wasn’t long before South Leeds grabbed a goal back after a neat move which was well finished despite John getting a good hand on the shot. Rovers who in the past have been prone to creating pressure for themselves by failing to see these types of games off were not going to fall to the same fate this time round and killed the game with another goal. Geoff Clarkson was again the instigator down the right and his perfectly disguised shin-through-ball was volleyed well by Wills who grabbed his hat-trick. Geoff then nearly capped an impressive performance with a thunderous volley but the shot unfortunately cannoned back of the bar. Rovers didn’t have to wait long for a sixth however as Howard found space and with options right and left found Geoff who calmly played in Paul who grabbed his forth with another good finish. Despite a late consolation from the home side Rovers strode home to victory and could have had a seventh but Howard Collier was unable to finish when well placed and probably should have taken a taxi home there and then with a bad finish. Rovers weren’t at their flowing best in the game however this can be seen as indication on how well the side is playing at the moment. Perhaps last season Rovers may have stumbled over the line in this type of game however the team ended up winning comfortably despite only producing a satisfactory performance. The run will be put to a sterner test next weekend however with the visit of Rothwell to the memorial ground. Team: John Bell (9), Geoff Clarkson (9), Andrew Mitchell (9), Craig Wilson (7), Joe Magnal (8), Howard Collier (7), Richard Reagan (7) (replaced by Johnny Richies (7)), Nick Wilson (8), Lev Watach (8), Paul Wills (9), Paul Marriott (7) (replaced by Chris Pugh (7)) Goals: Lev Watach, Paul Wills (4), Nick Wilson. MoM: Andrew Mitchell
| Comments () >> |
 |
|
