Craven Minors Opening Game
October 13, 2009
The opening game for the Craven Minors was played on a damp windswept Farsley Celtic FC ground when their old rivals Leeds FA inflicted a 4-0 defeat.
The Craven Squad is a young squad with only four survivors of last seasons campaign including nine fifteen year olds and their experience at this level will place them in good stead for the remainder of the season. Leeds dominated the game with a display of controlled football that pegged Craven back for long periods and only some excellent tackling kept the eager Leeds forwards at bay, with central defenders Sam Webster and Bradley Fielden working tirelessly throughout the game. Full backs Jake Pollard and Sam Coombs took time to settle to the pace of the Leeds wide men;however Coombs moving forward had an excellent volley saved at the second attempt and further good efforts from Ben Crabtree and Jack Schindler brought good saves from the Leeds keeper.
It was no surprise that the Leeds pressure was rewarded when a cross shot eluded Jamie Oldfield to give the hosts the lead on 29 minutes. Oldfield had a fine game throughout and produced several good saves and showed good composure. The lead was doubled when following a Craven corner the Leeds attack broke quickly and with a defence stood waiting for a free kick after a high challenge a good shot nestled into the net. As half time approached the added time brought a third goal for Leeds when some hesitant defending was punished.
At the start of the second half Schindler had a good shot deflected and Josh Griffiths brought a good save from the Leeds keeper and with Manager Ian Longden ringing the changes Matthew Cardus had a chance but his favoured left foot shot lacked any power and Leeds duly scored their fourth goal following good approach play.
The midfield tried hard without controlling the game and the opportunities that came the way of the forwards were not converted; however the second half display gave for some optimism for the remainder of the season.
Sam Beaumont was voted Man of the Match for his wholehearted display throughout the match in midfield
