U18 Match Report - Leeds United (H) 21.08.04

DISAPPOINTING OPENER TO THE SEASON

NORWICH CITY UNDER 18's 1 LEEDS UNITED UNDER 18's 4

Two goals in either half was enough to give Leeds United a comfortable victory over David Williams' side in what was a disappointing opening day of the season at Colney.

Injuries to four or five key players forced Williams to included 3 schoolboys in his starting line up and whilst that obviously had a big impact on the result, the overall performance was disappointing.

Ben Parker opened the visitors' account just four minutes into the game when City were guilty of giving the ball away on the edge of the box, allowing the Leeds striker to beat Shane Herbert with a shot that went in off the upright.

City went close with a Matthew Halliday header that hit the side netting, but this was a rare attack by the Canaries as Leeds took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Matthew Halliday

This header from Matthew Halliday went into the side netting

Danny Crow Free Kick

Danny Crow's free kick flies past the Leeds keeper into the goal
With 35 minutes on the clock Leeds extended their lead through Kevin Smith who beat Herbert with a stunning drive, this coming shortly after Seb Muddel could only fire a shot into the arms of the Leeds keeper from just six yards out.

It went from bad to worse for City on 53 minutes when Gavin Rotherby beat Joe Lewis from close range.

Lewis, who had come on at half time, denied Rotherby a second with a stunning save but from the resulting corner Smith was on hand to tap in his second.

Danny Crow scored a consolation goal fourteen minutes from time with a 30-yard free kick from a tight angle.
City Line-Up: Herbert [Lewis 45], Cave-Brown, O. Willis, Fisk [Martin 70], Halliday, Spillane, Howell, Bell, Crow, Muddel, Eagle.

Sub Not Used: S. Willis

Top Canary: Danny Crow.

Further Action From The Match
Andrew Fisk

Andrew Fisk played his second game in 3 days after a reserve appearance in midweek
Seb Muddel

Seb Muddel tries to shake off an opponent
Seb Muddel

Seb Muddel is again followed closely
Olly Willis

Olly Willis is tracked by two Leeds defenders
Robert Eagle

Robert Eagle seems to get is a twist
John Bell

John Bell - one of three schoolboys in the Norwich side
Nicky Howell

Nicky Howell shields the ball
John Bell and Matthew Halliday

John Bell and Matthew Halliday keep tabs on a Leeds forward

Report and pictures from John Landamore and Paul Standley.