Leek progress to the Semi Final

In their latest game Leek faced Leeds Adel, who had reached the final in a few years ago. As the competition draws closer the team were determined to start well. Leeds started with the ball and managed to keep hold of it for the opening exchanges as they tried to press Leek. However, the defence of Katie James, Pete James and Nic Wealleans held firm though and were backed up by Keeper James Williamson when required. It was obvious from the outset Leeds wanted to play a fast game and managed to create a one on one that Leek managed to deny at the expense of a short corner. Fortunately for Leek the Leeds injection failed and Leek were able to counter at speed. Being able to get on the front foot suited Leek as they grew into the game and before long won a their own short corner. Leek managed to convert from this corner, as Rich Cordon managed to drag the ball past the Leeds number 1 runner before flicking the ball home.
Leek then enjoyed a period of pressure before Leeds broke quickly. This break resulted in a shot that Williamson could only save but not clear, with a gaping goal the Leeds striker managed to only put wide from good pressure by the recovering Leek defenders. Leek now wrestled hold of the game again with great play from Richard Vincent, Dan O'Neill and Richard Corden in the middle supported by Mille Bradbury, Ella Bray, Kat Sherratt and Abie Hall on the wings, as they the team kept rotating to ensure Leek could play with speed. The forward four of Reuben Hatcher, Lydia Murfin, Adam Knott and Jenny Evans, kept finding space and making life difficult for Leeds in both attack and defence. Before long a ball from the midfield found Adam Knott in the 'D' who took it around two defenders before finishing confidently to extend Leeks lead. As Leek were encouraged by this goal they controlled the game more, constantly making substitutions to keep the pressure on. With 5 minuets left in the half Rich Cordon could see Dan O'Neill free in the 'D'. He fired the ball in, O'Neill tried to smash the ball first time but could only manage to get a slight touch on it. This touch was enough to deceive the Leeds keeper and make the score 3-0. Leeds pressed hard for the last five minuets of the half however were unable to make a concerted effort on goal, as the whole of the Leek team made life difficult for Leeds.
At the half time break Leek discussed keeping their cool and keeping up the strong start. Having a 3-0 lead meant they could focus more on playing safe passes to keep control of the game. The game restarted with neither side being able to retain much possession and it resulted in an end to end affair. Leek managed to create good chances with Lydia, Reuben and Jenny all unlucky to not add their name to the score sheet. As the end of the game drew to a close Leeds played with more urgency. The first big scare came for Leek after defending a Leeds short corner a quick 16 from Pete ended up being intercepted by Leeds, fortunately the resulting shot could only find the helmet of the on rushing Leek keeper.
With 5 minuets to go Leeds opted to play without a goal keeper. Leek kept rolling the substitutions with Tom Povey coming on into the middle of the park to help shut Leeds down. As Leeds created great pressure and goal scoring chances, great defensive pressure and tackles from the whole of the Leek team ensured Leeks clean sheet was preserved. Leek were unfortunate not to create any sustained pressure on the empty Leeds goal and could only come close on a couple of occasions, and so the game finished 3-0.
Captain Williamson was thrilled how the team played cohesively, despite not regularly playing together, and coming from a range of Leek teams. The team now wait's to see if they will draw University of Bath, Blueharts or Eastbourne in the Semi Final.