|
Leeds Combination League Division 1 27/04/08 Kippax Welfare Sunday 0 – 6 Leeds City Rovers 29/04/08 Pudsey 2005 0 – 4 Leeds City Rovers The period between 11am Sunday the 27th April to 8pm Tuesday 29th April will be remembered as a remarkable three days for all involved with Leeds City Rovers. To put into perspective what just two football results have meant to the team I think it is best analysing the facts. Firstly; Rovers scored 10 Goals without conceding one in the 2 games with only 3 days separating the matches which were both away from home. This means that Rovers have won 12 of their last 13 league matches. It also means that Rovers have scored 63 goals in 16 league games, averaging just fewer than 4 a game. They have in fact scored 92 goals in all competitions this season which exactly averages at 4 a game. This now means Rovers are now second in the league on 24 points with 2 games to play with another 4 points to play for. In first place, Pudsey 2005 are on 27 points with one game to play, whilst Chapeltown Brazil, who are in third, have 24 points with a far worse goal difference and have two games to play. Pudsey face Chapeltown in their final fixture with Chapeltown completing their season at home against Leeds City Rovers on the 11th of May. Rovers other game is against bottom of the table Kippax Welfare this Sunday.
Now I think its best to put into context the scenarios that could occur (bare with me on this one!!!); Pudsey win against Chapeltown and Leeds City Rovers lose against Chapeltown and Kippax. Pudsey would be champions and Chapeltown would be promoted in second. Pudsey win against Chapeltown and Leeds City Rovers lose against Chapeltown but win against Kippax. Pudsey would be champions and Leeds City Rovers would be promoted in second thanks to a superior goal difference than Chapeltown. Chapeltown win against Pudsey and Leeds City Rovers. Chapeltown would be promoted as champions and Pudsey would be promoted in second irrelevant of Rovers result against Kippax. Chapeltown win against Pudsey but lose against Leeds City Rovers. Rovers lose against Kippax. Pudsey would be promoted champions and Leeds City Rovers would be promoted in second thanks to a superior goal difference than Chapeltown. Finally; Chapeltown win against Pudsey but lose against Leeds City Rovers. Rovers also beat Kippax. Leeds City Rovers would be promoted champions and Pudsey would be promoted in second. Ok by my reckoning this means that a win against Kippax would ensure promotion unless Chapeltown win both their remaining games. Whilst if Pudsey lose and Rovers win both of their remaining games then we Rovers will win the league. Simple! Perhaps the magnitude of what two victories would mean for Rovers wasn’t understood at 10am on Sunday 27th April, it certainly wasn’t to me! This may prove to be indicative of the success which may follow for Rovers this season, although it is too premature to speculate on such matters now. Certainly however, Rovers could never have dreamt of being in such a strong position after losing their first three fixtures of the season. Since then Rovers have had a remarkable run which has only been tainted in recent weeks by the exit from both cups. Reflecting back on the performance against Kippax it is fair to suggest that this was an expected victory for Rovers although Kippax proved spirited opposition. With John Bell and Joe Magnall absent and Jonny Riches unavailable through injury the squad did look light on the ground. Last season’s goalkeeper Phil returned to replace John and Chris Pugh started at right back with Geoff switching to the left side of defence. Howard Collier returned to the team on the left wing with Nick Wilson moving into the centre of midfield. Dave Beaumont was also available and made the bench alongside Tom Maxwell. The first half saw Rovers establish a three goal lead through a double from Paul Marriott and one for Howard. The first was a fine solo effort from Paul who broke down the right before cutting back in from the by-line and blasting the ball past the goalkeeper at his near post. The second goal was largely created by a terrific free kick from Craig Wilson who whipped the ball in low to the near post where Howard got a faint touch to direct the ball past the goalkeeper. Pauls second was well finished after Paul Wills did well to feed the ball through to the winger. The second half belonged to Dave (Doove) Beaumont. His second half hat trick composed of a variety of calm finishes. His second was particularly interesting, when Paul Marriott unselfishly left the ball to Doove, when Paul could have completed his hat trick, who finished well after an incisive break away. Moving on to Tuesday night Rovers welcomed back Joe, Jonny, and John to the squad with Chris Pugh and Doove unavailable. Howard moved to left back with Stewart opting with a 4-5-1 formation. Jonny made up the extra man in midfield with Lev dropping back to the left hand side of midfield. This first 10 minutes saw the league leader’s pile on the pressure against Rovers who looked jaded after Sunday’s game. After hitting the post with a shot from the edge of the area the warning signs were well and truly being sounded. However against the run of play Paul Wills created a goal out of nothing. After being slipped through, Paul was all alone against three defenders. The tall striker somehow managed to round all three Pudsey men before firing powerfully into the bottom corner. A second soon followed. This time Paul Marriott picked the ball up on the right and put a superb cross over to Craig Wilson who calmly dinked the ball over the advancing goalkeeper. After a period of domination for Rovers where Pudsey looked shell shocked at the events that had just unfolded the home team finished the half strongly with Rovers sitting back trying to see the game through until half time. Pudsey did come close from a corner but John Bell reacted well to tip and header over. The second half couldn’t have started better for Rovers when Paul Wills extended Rovers lead to three. Lev provided the assist (I think) with a weighted through ball which Paul just managed to lift over the goalkeeper. Rovers were now completely in control with nothing materialising for Pudsey as they tried in vane to break though the rock solid wall Mitch and Regan were forming at the back. Soon Rovers killed the game off when an incisive move between Nick Wilson and Paul. It ended with the striker being taken out in the box. Paul converted the resulting penalty to make it 4 – 0. Pudsey had no reply and despite some valiant efforts including a well struck free kick which hit the bar Rovers were well worth their victory. The victory marked a milestone for many players in the squad who are yet to taste victory against Pudsey. With confidence riding high every player knows the job is not yet done. Rovers would love promotion, but they really want the league title! Team v Kippax: Phil (8), Chris (7), Geoff (8), Regan (8), Mitch (8), Paul M (9), Howard (8), Nick (8), Craig (8), Paul W (8), and Lev (8). Subs: Tom (8), Doove (9). Team v Pudsey: John (10), Geoff (8), Howard (8), Regan (9), Mitch (10), Paul M (8), Lev (8), Jonny (8), Nick (9), Craig (8), and Paul W (10+) Subs: Tom (8), Joe (8)
| Comments () >> |
 |
|
