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LEAGUE
LRBC 0-2 ST PETER'S SHIPLEY
LACK OF CUTTING EDGE COSTS LRBC
Ed Jackson reports
After 4 games against what teams to be considered title challengers, Leeds faced a team that they had enjoyed more success against in the past. In particular, last season they had completed the double over this team including an impressive 3-1 win away in a relegation 6 pointer. So, the stage was set for a battle royale�
The team preparations were disrupted through communication problems, and the late withdrawal of 2 players meaning that the home team would have to keep the same 11 for the full game. Clearly not the news they would have wished for, and a further headache after the injuries to Mark Frater and Ed Jackson in a recent B team game. The team had to be re-shuffled and Daniel Johnston moved to left back with Rick Mayers making his debut down the right flank. The excellent run of form of Anthony Thorpe was halted as he pulled on the GK jersey to cover for Mark Frater.
The game began in combatative fashion with Shipley seeking to impose their physical presence on the game and Leeds seeking to stand up to the challenge. Chances were few and far between as both teams sensed that this was a game for the taking. Leeds were having their best moments down the left wing with Mike Philpott showing glimpses of the talent that the world knows he has. However, as has plagued Leeds for a few seasons, they lacked the creativity to create goal scoring chance. For all the endeavour, the final pass and quality on the ball was just not there.
The breakthrough came in Shipley's favour when their veteran striker finished neatly on the right hand side of the 6 yard box. Although the team had talked about the danger of this player he still managed to find time and space in the Leeds area.
The second was not too long after, and came from 20 yards. A good strike was undoubtedly helped by a bobble to evade the despairing Thorpe. This goal really got the away team motivated and Leeds were struggling to make headway. They did though have a great chance to get back in the game when a mis-kick by a Shipley centre half gave Jonathan Parkinson a clear run on goal. The defender ran hard to recover and with the keeper approaching Parkinson was unable to hit the target. He will feel that he should have done better.
The game was starting to fire up, with some hefty tackles going in. The central midfield area in particular was a key battle ground as Joe Wilson and the machine they call Steve Robinson refused to give an inch.
Leeds lined up for the 2nd half with it all to do. 2-0 down and not renowned for their goal scoring it was going to be a tough task.
Credit to the home team though they were camped in the opposition half for most of the 2nd half. The one thing that was lacking was the quality to open up the defence to put in that killer pass. So for all their territory, Leeds rarely troubled the goal keeper.
As Leeds took the game to Shipley there were a few horror tackles going in, one particular on Steve Robinson was incredibly late and he was lucky to walk away from it. Medhi Sattari up front was frequently fouled when dribbling around the box and Leeds will feel they should have used the free kicks he won to better effect.
For all Leeds possession maybe the best chance of the second half fell to the Shipley striker whose ferocious goal bound effort was brilliantly saved by Thorpe. A save that would have graced MOTD that evening, what the panel would have made of the rest of the game is another matter.
The game petered out towards the end as Leeds tried a few longer shots that caused little trouble. As they trudged off the pitch at the end of the game, it was a case of what could have been. It was a battling performance and Daniel Johnston, playing in an unfamiliar position stood up strong and enhanced his growing reputation. Thorpe, again, showed that he is a quality keeper, but without his quality outfield there was a big hole.
This result served as a reminder that every game is a cup final for this Leeds team. They will be striving to ensure that this is only a blip in their league campaign and that they get back on track soon. Their destiny is in their hands.
LRBC Team: A Thorpe, S Thomson, D Johnston, J Hoy, T Thomson, S Robinson, R Meyers, J Wilson, M Sattari, J Parkinson, M Philpott.
LRBC Man of the Match: A Thorpe