Tier 1 Success against Loughborough

Leek’s line up for the game was different with a few players from last seasons semi final loss missing due to unavailability and injury. This gave the chance for a debut for Olivia Bray for the mixed side.
Leek enjoyed early possession in the game and managed to push up the pitch with the ball being rotated around the back three of Lydia Whittaker, Rich Cordon and Tom Povey. Leek was able to attack up the pitch through close linked passing, by the midfield three of E Whittaker, Lewis Flint and Ella Bray. This link up play was ably supported by both Alex Whittaker and Olivia Bray. As Loughborough grew into the game this meant it became stretched, however this worked to Leek’s advantage as it gave them more space to play in. When the ball was worked forward it was held up by forward Kieran Heath. On one of these occasions, he managed to hold up the ball and find follow forward Lydia Murfin who was able to smash the ball past the Loughborough keeper to give the host’s the lead. As Loughborough grew into the game a long aerial by Leek centre back found Kieran Heath in plenty of space. He was able to chip the Loughborough keeper to give Leek a 2 goal lead. As Leek used their bench Adam Knott started to star at full back as Abbie Hall supported Leeks attacking play on the wing.
Through a Loughborough break they earnt the first short corner of the game. A well-rehearsed routine saw a faced paced deflection on the Leek goal that was only able to be stopped by the face of Leek goal scorer Heath. Unfortunately, the resulting injury from this removed Heath from the rest of the game, and a penalty stroke was awarded to the visitors. Fortunately for Leek this penalty flick was of the below average quality, and it was easily saved by Leek captain and goal keeper James Williamson. This injury still seemed to give momentum to the visiting team and the host’s had to dig deep. A whole team effort was given from replacement forward Tom Povey, throughout the whole squad to ensure Loughborough were unable to penetrate the Leek 25. The hosts welcomed the half time whistle and the 2-0 lead they had still held on to.
Just before the second half began talk of a rare clean sheet for James Williamson was mentioned, however from the opening minutes of the second half it was evident Leek centre back, Rich Cordon, had other thoughts. As he dribbled across the front of his own goal and slapped the ball into a Loughborough flat stick in such a way that it sailed into the empty Leek net. As the second half pushed on Loughborough began to play more frantically, although they rarely threatened the Leek D. Strong tackles were put in by both sides and an unfortunate clash between a Loughborough midfielder and Ella Bray, saw her game end due to a nasty knee injury.
Now down to a bear 11 Leek had to dig deep. During this time Loughborough gained another short corner the pressure grew, however it was a relief as this was calmly dealt with by the Leek defence. The hosts were pleased when the full time whistle sounded and they can advance to the next stage of the cup.
Leeks player of the match was Olivia Bray for a commanding game on the left wing as she caused the opposition may problems. As Leek remain in the Tier 1 part of the competition, they can expect a tougher run this year, although the team welcomes the challenge.