Opening win of the new season

Leek recorded their opening win of the season with a fine team performance against Wednesbury 1s. The team played a new formation to add to its portfolio, to allow defenders to overlap and attack, which Dom Nield and Tom Dale executed to perfection in an opening period dominated by Leek. The quality of passing and ball speed was excellent, and it was more of a question of when, not if, Leek would open the scoring. This eventually happened midway through the first half when a short corner shot from Wes Durston was deflected into the roof of the net by Peter Cordon. Despite creating many chances, this remained the score at half time.
Wednesbury rarely troubled Jason Grant in goal, with the experienced duo of Rich Plant and Chris Shaw not only controlling the defence, but along with Richard Vincent, prompted several attacking moves from deep positions.
It took fifteen minutes into the second half before Leek added to their score, courtesy of Durston who deftly deflected a cross past the Wednesbury keeper, and five minutes later Durston added his second goal from close range to secure the points.
Leek were disrupted by injuries to Morgan Rhead and Cordon, which led to players having to play out of position. George Mounsey showed that he is settling down in the 4s, especially as he was asked to play as a forward, and along with Charlie Swinson and Dale, he will be part of the 4s junior development group this season. Jamie Jones also showed his versatility playing both wide defensive positions.
Rhead added a fourth and final goal for Leek, despite his injury, although the home side were denied a clean sheet when Wednesbury were awarded a penalty stroke converted by their captain.