The LUUMHC 3rd team opened their BUCS campaign at home on Wednesday to Newcastle 3rds at a wet and windy Weetwood.

Leeds dominated possession from the outset with Ed Sykes and Xander Cullum controlling the midfield and using the ball intelligently. Newcastle struggled to maintain any prolonged period of possession as Leeds pinned the visitors in their own third of the pitch.

Despite being denied any sort of rhythm it was the away side that struck the first blow, converting their first short corner of the game with a low drag-flick into the bottom corner of Tom Mclean’s goal.

Leeds responded well as Josh Saunders continued to start attacks from full back showing an incisive range of passing. Eventually Leeds pressure and possession told as Chris Debonnaire picked up the ball on the flank before cutting inside and unleashing a lethal reverse-stick strike that raced past the outstretched leg of the Newcastle keeper and into the far corner. Leeds were lifted and they headed into the break level at one apiece.

With the rain lashing down, Leeds restarted the game with confidence, transferring the ball well around the back four. Andy Farenheim posed a real threat on the wing, beating opposition players for pace and driving dangerously towards the D. Chances began to stack up with Farenheim and Cullum firing a flurry of shots at goal only to be denied by the Newcastle keeper.

The breakthrough for Leeds finally came in ugly fashion as a ball broke loose in the D and was fumbled through the keeper’s legs and over the line by forward Cal Clark. Leeds had the lead, now time for a period of consolidation.

Uni continued to dominate possession and, when Newcastle were afforded space on the counter attack, Leeds captain Andy Spencer managed to snuff out any danger with well-timed challenges. The Gyphons then showed patience and composure on the ball to see out the remaining minutes of the game to secure a hard fought and deserved 2-1 win.

Jack Fairs

Image Courtesy of LUUMHC