Leeds suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of division leaders Birmingham on Wednesday under the lights at Weetwood.
The start of the game was rather scrappy as both teams conceded a number of fouls, meaning there was no real flow to the game and a rhythm was unable to develop.
Out of nowhere Birmingham took the lead as a goal bound cross could only be deflected into the path of an onrushing Birmingham attacker who had ample time to score the rebound. This seemed to stun Leeds and Birmingham quickly doubled their advantage as a brilliant individual run led to another goal.
After this early flurry of goals the game eventually settled. Birmingham continued to dominate possession but Leeds were able to deal with any attacks. Whilst soaking up Birmingham pressure, Leeds begun to pose a threat on the counter and a good attack led to their first penalty corner.
However, it was Birmingham who scored next, extending their lead after a penalty corner of their own and a fourth quickly followed as Leeds lost the ball in defence.
Leeds could not keep hold of the ball with there being no outlet for the defence and Birmingham really monopolised possession. As half time approached their constant pressure paid off as another cross was turned in amongst a melee of sticks.
Then another well worked penalty corner routine saw Birmingham score their sixth just before the break. It was a brilliant first half performance by Birmingham, who played with a real pace and intensity which Leeds really struggled to deal with.
As the second half started, the game was pretty much already beyond Leeds but nevertheless they started brightly. They pressed the Birmingham defence higher up the pitch and enjoyed a sustained period of pressure down the right hand side. As a whole, the Leeds team began to contain Birmingham a lot better who struggled to create much for the opening minutes of the half.
This increased intensity from Leeds almost resulted in a goal as a shot went just wide of the post. Despite the home side’s best effort, it was Birmingham who scored first in the half after Leeds were undone by another penalty corner.
Play went fairly flat for the remainder of the game with the result already decided by Birmingham. In the last the fifteen minutes the visitors added a further two goals against a deflated Leeds.
This meant the final score read 9-0 in Birmingham’s favour. It was a hugely impressive performance from the away side who look fully deserving of their place at the top of the league.
Daniel Baines
Image courtesy of Sam Broadley