Leek U18 XI 2 Deeside U18 XI 1

Leek and Deeside’s youngsters served up an exhilarating game of hockey in the last 32 of the National Cup with the game being decided with the last touch of the game by unlikely hero Fin Prince.

To this point the teams were evenly matched at 1-1 and both had chances to take the lead in a pulsating second half.

Leek started well against National League side Deeside and a high pressing game saw Ptolemy Edge and Sam Heath cause problems for the away defence, however, despite this pressure Leek were unable to carve out a clear-cut opening. Similarly the Cheshire team asked questions of the Leek defence and the solid back three of Prince, Ben Topley and Charlie Heath showed they were in no mood to be beached easily, however, it was Deeside who struck first with a well taken penalty corner giving Leek keeper George Neale no chance as it was fired into the top corner.

Leek urged on by captain Ben Mellor responded well and his shot was followed up from close range by Harry Mellor to restore parity in the game. Leek continued to press and rotations in the forward line saw a new combination of Tom Dale and James Clark causing panic in the away defence with Dale going close after stealing the ball from the Deeside centre back.

Leek dominated territory in the second half but despite the relentless promptings of Josh Woodcock and Tom Finney and the skilful running of debutant Harvey Hughes they were limited to a few half chances. With only two minutes left on the clock the home crowd held their breath as Deeside won a penalty corner, however, Neale proved up to the task as he parried the shot wide.

Leek launched a final attack and won a penalty corner of their own with only 15 seconds left, just time for full back Prince to push forward and break the Deeside hearts with a close-range finish after a good initial save by the away keeper. It was a narrow but deserved victory that sees Leek into the draw for the last 16 – to be played in the New Year.