A goal in each half ensured Lancaster’s 1st XI safe passage into the Second Round of the BUCs Cup with relative ease.

 

Leeds, who play in the league below their opposition, slumped to their third defeat in four games with a lacklustre performance and were lucky to escape with the score-line as low as it was.

 

Both teams were set up in the 4-5-1 formation laying the foundations for a closely fought battle in midfield. Despite having much of the possession the Gryphon’s failed to make any serious impact on the oppositions back four. In contrast, their own back four, often playing an alarmingly high line, were exposed on numerous occasions and will be disappointed with the ease at which Lancaster scored both goals.

 

The home sides’ keeper, Alex Hutchins, produced an impressive performance between the posts and kept Lancaster’s front three at bay for much of the first half only to concede with the last kick before half time. Some clever work down the right allowed Lancaster’s number 11 space to deliver a low cross that caught the Leeds back four sleeping, leaving the away sides’ left winger to tap home from 6 yards. A trio of Tom Hare, Jay Haworth and Luke Giles threatened to play some impressive football throughout the half, however with little offered up front and a lack of creativity on the wings, Leeds University failed to genuinely test the opposition keeper.

 

Playing without injured winger Lou N’Govi who had impressed greatly so far this season the 3rd XI seemed a little short of imagination in the final third. Harry Day did, however, produce a rare moment of brilliance while the game was still level. With the first half drawing to a close the winger connected perfectly with a speculative effort from 30 yards that left the keeper with no chance, only to see it smash against the under side of the bar and the rebound sliced over.

 

Despite the blow of conceding a goal just before half time Leeds came out fighting early in the second half. After only five minutes striker Matt Richardson latched onto the end of a Hutchins goal kick. Richardson’s first touch settled the ball excellently however his effort was sliced just wide of goal.

 

Much of the second half fizzled out into a scrappy midfield battle with little to report. Late on Lancaster again forced an excellent double save from Hutchins. The game was then put beyond doubt with five minutes remaining as the away team’s impressive number 9 was put through one-on-one finishing with aplomb to put Lancaster into the second round.

 

Author: Theo Lee Ray