Leeds City B U-12s 2
Temple AFC U-12s 3

Date: Sunday, January 27

Competition: Garforth Junior League U-12 Divison 4

It had been two months since the last match - thanks to poor pitch conditions - but if you thought Temple might be a bit rusty or lack-lustre you would be very wrong.

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Sticking with our new 3-5-2 formation the emphasis was on midfielders to control the play and the three defenders to keep out their strikers and this in the first-half they all did, admirably.

Both teams started strongly and the Leeds City number nine was looking particularly dangerous along their left side but, pre-warned of his ability, Alex Lambourne and Ryan McGregor paid him sufficient attention to ensure none of his efforts were successful.

In midfield Tom Gordon and Mat Ellis controlled everything that came their way, providing good assistance to the defence whilst also pushing forwards in attack building.

Up front, Ross Marshall was very effective with some finely placed passes, and Tank Wooffitt and Declan Isaac pressurized a struggling Leeds City defence.

It was Declan who opened the scoring on seven minutes with a fine solo effort from the left wing, into the edge of the box, and a superb effort from a tight angle being totally mis-judged by the Leeds City keeper.

On 20 minutes, following a poorly defended Temple corner and a failure by Leeds City to clear their area Declan was there again to double his tally and double the Temple lead.

Several more Temple goal-scoring chances were missed but Temple weren't having it all their own way. Leeds City were fighting hard and came close on several occasions before half-time.

Soon after the break Leeds City earned a goal after fine work by their number nine who had swapped to the right-hand side.

Substitute Connor Yates chased every opportunity and was finally rewarded with a good goal to restore Temple's two goal lead.

The game was now a hard battle and gradually the midfield duo, Mathew Ellis and Tom Gordon, showed signs of fatigue and were substituted for a well-earned rest.

Leeds City increased the pressure and pulled back another goal after the tired Temple defence got into a tangle.

The score stayed that way until the final whistle with Temple shutting down the game in their own half and Leeds City unable to make that final break-through.

It wasn't a pretty match. Just a hard, energy sapping slog by both teams. On balance Temple deserved the win.

Leeds City deserve credit for their hard working attitude. Temple now in a comfortable 4th place
in the League table.

Temple goalscorers: Declan Isaac (2), Connor Yates.

Temple Star Player: Mathew Ellis

Squad: N.Simm, C.Drysdale, A.Lambourne, R.McGregor, M.Ellis, T.Gordon, R.Wooffitt(Capt), C.Jenkin, D.Isaac, R.Marshall, M.Hayward. Subs; A.Bell, C.Yates, J.Rogers.