Horsforth Fairweather FC
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Archived reports 2011-12. |
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Sunday 4th September 2011 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One):
Team: Postle, Herron, M.Smith, Aifa, Vernon, Lamping, Wriglesworth, Harvey, A.Smith, Ranger, Jones. Subs: Todman, Monaghan, Newsome; unused subs: Zambrano, Waite. Scorers: A.Smith, Harvey. Cautioned: Aifa (Unsporting Behaviour). Among the many records set today, I haven't checked this but I'm sure showing 11 changes from the previous starting line-up must be a first. I was going to type in a long list of people who were missing and why, but what the heck let's just give the credit to those who were there. Jonathan Postle was back in the yellow jersey after three years at college. Dean Herron, improving with every game in recent times, started at right-back, Matthew Smith, having not figured at all the previous season, at left back. The central pairing in what was, of necessity, a flat back four were Jon Vernon, who like Dean had played intermittently during 2010-11, and debutant Mathew Lamping. In midfield, Tom Wriglesworth, who had signed for the club two years ago but never played, got the nod down the right, with Chris Jones, who like Tom was returning from what we might call a loan spell in the Harrogate League, down the left. Noureddine Aifa was another making his bow, in central midfield, alongside Jake Harvey, another of last season's squad players. Up front Anthony Smith was the sharp end of the attack, yet another debutant, while the welcome return of Jermaine Ranger who had missed almost two season with injury was one of the day's bonuses. Eleven players then, who between them had started 7 competitive games last season.
If we were hoping for a good start we didn't get it either. Although we held our own in the opening exchanges, after 14 minutes we went a goal down, one of those traditional "first day of the season", "lots of defenders around the ball but no one taking responsibility" goals, though you have to admit it was well taken by the lone Morley striker Chris Pearson who was well outnumbered yet managed to prod the ball home from close range. It was vitally important we hit back quickly, and on 20 minutes did just that, as Pos's long downfield punt was knocked on by Jake for Anthony to round the keeper and equalise. A superb goal, exactly what we needed, and in my opinion no more than our positive attitude merited. By half-time, the game was still evenly poised, Pos having been forced into one crucial save but chances arriving at both ends.
After the break, we enjoyed something of a purple patch. Taking advantage of the chance to get reorganised, our sense of purpose was much stronger now, and after 13 minutes we took what was at the time I felt a deserved lead, as Jermaine's excellent cross from the right was headed home by Jake. That, however, was about as good as it got for a Horsforth team that had thus far surpassed expectations, but which was now forced to make changes due to injury and tiredness. Errol Todman, the final debutant of the day, replaced the cruelly scythed down Tom, taking over at right-back and allowing Dean more freedom to get forward, Lee Monaghan embarked on his 22nd season as an HFFC player and another of the club's hardy perennials John Newsome was added to the attack as we opted for experience to see us through for a win that few had predicted. However, in fairness to the Morley Celtic lads, they fought their way back into the game very strongly, and I would have to admit they finished the match looking the more likely side. With only a couple of minutes play left, they swung the ball in from the right following a throw-in, and somehow the biggest player on the pitch Michael Bearpark was left to jump unchallenged against Pos, and got there first to equalise. Even then, both teams had chances to win the game, but in the end I'd say a draw was just about a fair result.
There's loads more to say, of course, but better we keep some discussions in-house. Two things must be stated though... Firstly, this was a decent performance by any standards, but if you consider the major problems we had getting a team out today the display was nothing short of sensational. Secondly, a mega vote of appreciation must go to all the club's injured players, who turned up en masse to support the team, and did so positively and constructively. In conclusion, a fair enough start to the campaign, against a side who it should not be overlooked have won the championships of Divisions Three and Two in successive seasons. A very good day's work lads, a different kind of pride perhaps from what we felt when we won the title in April, but nonetheless I hope you all feel justly proud of yourselves.
Other league games:
Beeston St Anthonys 3, South Leeds United 0;
Old Tree 7, Pudsey Liberal Club 1;
Swillington Welfare 6, Crooked Billet 1;
Young Guns 3, JB Celtic 1.
Sunday 11th September 2011 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One):
Team: Postle, Herron, Wriglesworth, T.Low, Vernon, Lamping, Merifield, Harvey, A.Smith, Ranger, Newsome. Subs: Robinson, Todman, Zambrano; unused subs: Monaghan, M.Smith. Scorer: A.Smith. Cautioned: Todman (Unsporting Behaviour). With only a couple of changes forced on us (due to the unavailability of Noureddine Aifa and Chris Jones), Horsforth opted to revert to last season's 3-5-2 formation. Tom Low started alongside Jon Vernon and Mathew Lamping in defence, while Tom Wriglesworth and Dean Herron were the wing-backs. In midfield, Andy Merifield was brought in as a holding player, with Jake Harvey and Jermaine Ranger for company. John Newsome started up front as partner for Anthony Smith.
The first half was, frankly, woeful entertainment, between two teams clearly struggling to get near to the greatness they achieved last season. Horsforth were overrun in midfield, and built more or less nothing in attack, and as a result the defence was inevitably under the cosh for long periods. But for indifferent finishing by the Pudsey strikers, the game could have been over by the break. The only goal of this uninspiring period came on 28 minutes, a cheap effort scrambled in after a corner that should have been cleared, but we had given the away side so many chances from set pieces that it was inevitable one would count sooner or later.
Things didn't get any better in the second half, either, though there was at least a bit more flowing football from both teams to watch. In the 13th minute of the half, Pudsey worked the ball in from our left in open play, and doubled their advantage. Horsforth made a couple of changes, bringing Errol Todman in to stiffen the midfield and Scott Robinson to ask questions at the other end, and if our defence still looked vulnerable at least we did create a few chances ourselves from this point. With the away side looking a bit tired, Anthony bundled the ball into the net from a long throw, and with ten minutes still to play this might have triggered a comeback. However, Pudsey were still looking at least as dangerous and in all honesty I have to say by the end the 2-1 defeat, if anything, flattered us a bit.
While there was again no lack of passion from this still-unfamiliar Horsforth team, in contrast to last week there seemed relatively little by way of inspiration. I'm sure we'll do better than this when we have all our best players available again, but this game was one to forget.
Other league games:
JB Celtic 4, Crooked Billet 4;
Morley Cricket & Sports 8, Beeston St Anthonys 1;
Old Tree 8, South Leeds United 0;
Swillington Welfare 5, West Leeds Whites 4;
Young Guns 4, Morley Celtic 0.
Sunday 18th September 2011 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One):
Team: Postle, Vernon, Herron, Horton, Sedgwick, Butcher, Wriglesworth, Harvey, A.Smith, Robinson, Todman. Subs: Aifa, Rayner, Newsome; unused subs: Monaghan, M.Smith. Scorers: A.Smith, Harvey, Herron. Continuing to make something of a virtue out of necessity, Horsforth rang the changes again with four of the previous week's starters not available. Skipper Steve Sedgwick reinforced the defence, with new (re)signing Callum Butcher alongside him and regular Jon Vernon. In midfield, there was another welcome return in the shape of Richard Horton, partnered by Jake Harvey and Errol Todman, who had played his way into the side in recent weeks. Scott Robinson started up front with Anthony Smith for company. Jonathan Postle continued in goal, with Tom Wriglesworth and Dean Herron again the wing-backs. Horsforth opened brightly, and looked the more confident side early on. We even for once got a lucky break as, on 15 minutes, Scott's dodgem car challenge out on the left wing won the ball in a situation where many referees would have blown for a foul, but his smart cross was met by Anthony who duly notched his third goal in as many games for the club. The first half performance got better and better for Horsforth, sound in defence and steady in midfield, but we took a long time to score the crucial second goal, Scott in particular will never be able to explain how he missed an open goal soon after the first one. With 34 minutes played, we finally took the commanding lead our display had merited, as Richard knocked the ball back in when the first header was cleared, for Jake to back-head over the stranded Whites keeper.
Against weaker opposition, that would have been game over, but the Whites made a couple of substitutions, changed their team around and rallied commendably after the break, and soon served notice that they hadn't come to lose. A long, deep ball into our box caused dreadful uncertainty, Mark Temple-Baker was on hand to capitalise, and out of nothing the game was back in the balance. With 18 minutes played, we regained the two-goal cushion when Dean cleverly ran across the flight of Scott's corner and headed the goal he had long been threatening. Again, we might have been forgiven for thinking the points were ours now, and Noureddine Aifa was brought into the midfield to give us a bit more tackling at a time we needed to close the game down. In the 30th minute, however, the Whites struck again, a harshly awarded free-kick, a truly shocking amount of time to get the defensive wall together, and a superbly struck shot from distance by Simon McGreavy, so the game was again anyone's. And, fair play to the visitors, I would have to admit that in the closing stages they looked the more likely side, laying siege to our goal for long periods, while our efforts at breaking out came to naught as we couldn't get any sort of hold-up play going. Two great club servants came into the fray at this point, Marc Rayner at right wing-back, and John Newsome in attack, but it would be dishonest of me to claim we weren't holding on when the referee blew the final whistle.
A tight game that - for the third week in a row - could have been won by either team, but in my opinion on this occasion Horsforth's marginally better finishing had been the key difference. Three points from three games represents a fair enough start to a campaign that for a while had been viewed with some trepidation due to the injury situation, and to those who say it should have been six points, I say it could easily have zero. Whatever fortune has come our way so far this season, the team spirit has been uniformly excellent, and I'd say this was the day we got the reward for the hard work we've put in.
Other league games: Beeston St Anthonys 2, JB Celtic 0; Old Tree 8, Crooked Billet 1; South Leeds United 1, Morley Celtic 6; Young Guns 5, Pudsey Liberal Club 1. Barkston Ash Sunday Cup Round 1: Station 7, Swillington Welfare 0.
Heavy Woollen Sunday Cup Round 1:
Morley Cricket & Sports 4, Overthorpe Town 2.
Sunday 25th September 2011 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One):
Team: Postle, Vernon, Herron, Horton, Sedgwick, Butcher, Monaghan, Aifa, A.Smith, Robinson, Wriglesworth. Subs: Zambrano, Todman; unused subs: Jones, Merifield, Newsome. Scorers: A.Smith, Horton. Cautioned: Aifa. For once, the team changes were few this week: With Jake Harvey unavailable, Horsforth brought in Lee Monaghan and Noureddine Aifa into the midfield, as partners for Richard Horton in the central threesome, Errol Todman the unlucky one left out. Other than that, it was as-you-were. To be honest though, we were always chasing this game, with the high-flying Guns team looking sharper during the crucial early phases. On nine minutes, they headed home a corner, the marking all over the place, and frankly they were good value for their narrow lead, as only a string of saves from Jonathan Postle kept them out for much of the first half. But, as is strangely often the case, the inevitable arrival of a second goal for the team on top only served to bring about a revival. With 24 minutes played, the Guns took us apart down our left, and scored the best goal of the game, their superiority at this point so total it must have seemed as if the game were over. Not so: just two minutes later, Horsforth were dramatically back in the match, as the ball broke to Anthony Smith, gambling behind the defence in the box, and the skinny striker who has been such a key figure in what success has come our way this season notched his fourth goal in as many games (breaking a record of scoring in one's first three games that has stood since - wait for this - Martin Riley in 1980), and by half time Horsforth were looking at least as likely as the visitors, playing some splendid football in midfield and asking questions of an increasingly shaky-looking Guns defence.
The opening period of the second half was always going to be crucial, and sad to say Horsforth didn't give too good an account of themselves from the restart. With three minutes gone, and chaos reigning in our defence, the Guns slid the ball home to take a 3-1 lead, which they must have felt would be decisive. Once again, however, Horsforth's spirit rose to the fore at this point, and our response was both determined and focused. In the eighth minute of the half, during a sustained period of attack, Richard curled the ball beautifully round the Guns keeper, and the margin was reduced to one. From here on, it was anybody's game, both team playing some purposeful attacking football and both defences stretched to cope with the challenges the opposition set them. Long odds on there not being another goal in the game, but 3-2 it stayed, Horsforth more and more on top as the clock wound down but never nearly confident enough in our defending to release too many players to the attack. There were a few moments to regret when the game moved into its latter stages, some great approach play but - I felt - sometimes we seemed as if we wanted to walk the ball into the net when what was needed was someone to pull the trigger and test the visitors' keeper. Overall, I felt we deserved the draw we were searching for, but the Guns, who went top of the table after this game, as is so often the case with a team on winning run, were able to ride their luck and hang on for both points.
Fair play to the visitors, they are a well-run club and a decent set of lads who fully deserve the success that has come their way in recent times - last season's League Cup win against Seacroft being celebrated way beyond their own catchment area. Horsforth's contribution to a very good game of football cannot be overlooked, and the narrowness of our defeat must give us hope for the medium-term future. There were a few things we got wrong today (which, as usual, we would be better off discussing offline), but also much that we did right, and though we cannot ever be satisfied with a defeat however it comes about, this was just about as honourable a reverse as ever there has been, and I hope we keep our collective heads up after this game as well as learn from it. Three points from eight, OK we'd all rather it was four or five or even more (and yes, it could have been, with just a smidgen of luck), but, considering the problems we've faced with injuries and other issues this season, a pretty commendable opening to what always looked like a daunting campaign, and as ever the spirit at the club remains our greatest asset.
Other league games:
Crooked Billet 2, Morley Cricket & Sports 2;
JB Celtic 6, Swillington Welfare 2;
Morley Celtic v Old Tree postponed;
Pudsey Liberal Club 3, Beeston St Anthonys 1;
West Leeds Whites 12, South Leeds United 2.
Sunday 2nd October 2011 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One): Morley Cricket & Sports 1, JB Celtic 3; Old Tree 6, Beeston St Anthonys 1; South Leeds United 0, Pudsey Liberal Club 3.
County Sunday Cup Round 1:
Crooked Billet 0, Buttershaw White Star 4;
Morley Celtic 1, Ferrybridge Progressive WMC 9;
Swillington Welfare 0, Seacroft Colts Athletic 3;
Young Guns 0, Chapeltown Fforde Grene (S/L) 5.
Sunday 9th October 2011 (Sanford Cup Round 1):
Team: Postle, Gough, Wriglesworth, Horton, Sedgwick, Markham, Ranger, Harvey, A.Smith, Robinson, Aifa. Subs: Jones, Todman, Newsome; unused subs: Monaghan, Rayner. Scorers: Markham, Own Goal, Ranger, A.Smith. Cautioned: Sedgwick (dissent). Horsforth made a fairly creditable debut in the Sanford Cup, the Combination's domestic cup competition for clubs in the higher divisions, with a performance that perhaps lacked a bit of class but more than made up for it with team spirit and determination. Of course, there were more changes, though at least a couple of the heroes of last season's great side were back in the green and black shirts again. Facing a chronic shortage of defenders, we were forced to switch Richard Horton to the back line, alongside the dependable Steven Sedgwick and the more than welcome return of Andy Gough. With Tom Wriglesworth asked to line up on the left, Noureddine Aifa moved to the right wing-back spot. Jermaine Ranger and Jake Harvey were back in the central threesome, plus for the first time this season Chris Markham. Scott Robinson and Anthony Smith retained the attacking roles, Jonathan Postle the yellow jersey. This was also the first time we have played a game at Hunslet's Pepper Road ground. With a strong but unpredictable wind at our backs in the first half, Horsforth looked pretty rusty for almost the entire 45 minutes. Tom was forced to leave the pitch injured after barely 15 minutes, Chris Jones coming on to reprise the left wing-back role which he has played competently a few times recently. With far more of the play but unable to capitalise on our territorial advantage, it appeared the game was deadlocked until on 34 minutes Chris Markham headed home Scott's left-wing corner. If we expected to coast through to a half-time lead, we were to be disappointed, as the home team responded well to going behind, and tore through the heart of our defence to equalise just before the break. However, in the dying seconds of the first period, we went in front again, when Nounou found Scott running into space, and Scott's shot picked up two deflections before finding its way into the net, a shade fortuitous perhaps but an opportunity to remind people about not winning lotteries unless you buy tickets, or something like that.
The second half saw the wind ease a bit, and, if Horsforth had planned on sitting on the precarious one-goal lead, we were to be disappointed. Gradually, the home side got their midfield game together, until by the midway point of the half I would have to admit they were looking the better team, with Pos again called on to preserve a slender advantage, at full stretch on occasion. The match exploded into life on 27 minutes, when a fairly benign shot from distance was met by Sedge's head, and the unlucky defender found himself deflecting the ball into his own net for the second own-goal of the day. Worse was to follow, as a free-kick from out on our left - one of far too many we conceded today - somehow found its way to an unmarked Billet striker almost on our goal line, and a game we might have thought was won was suddenly one we needed to chase. And chase it we did, in a manner to make everyone associated with the club feel proud, not desperately or in cavalier fashion, but with some superb controlled football, all departments of the team remaining positive when the temptation to panic and start blaming each other must have been very strong. Jermaine capped an excellent return with a beautifully judged near-post header from Scott's left-wing corner to equalise, then Anthony Smith struck home a thunderous, unstoppable free-kick from just outside the box, as Horsforth turned the game completely on its head. Yes indeed, there was still time for the home team to stage a late revival, and much defending to be done, but the determined rearguard action, allied with a couple of astute late substitutions, saw Horsforth home for a narrow win against very worthy opponents.
Let us not misunderstand, this was by no means a great HFFC performance; we made more than enough mistakes to have lost this match twice over. But the thing to take away, for me anyway, is that we stuck together as a team when things were going against us, and dug out a result when we could easily have let it slip away. Three goal from set pieces and an OG, a strange return from a side that tries to play football as much as we do, but if that's what it takes to win games at this level, then that we must do. All in all, a performance that wasn't pretty, but a fine result, as our team building process continues. Other Round 1 games: Belle Isle WMC 3, Morley Cricket & Sports 2; HT Sports 3, Barwick 3, HT won 4-3 on penalties; Pudsey Liberal Club 3, Young Guns 0; Rothwell Town 4, Morley Celtic 2; Seacroft Colts 0, Chapeltown Fforde Grene 3; Swillington Welfare 2, JB Celtic 1 AET. Byes: Ackroyd Street, Beeston St Anthonys, Leeds City Rovers, Leeds Lions Seniors, Main Line Social, Old Tree, South Leeds United, Swinnow White Horse, West Leeds Whites.
League games:
Old Tree 3, West Leeds Whites 4;
South Leeds United 3, Beeston St Anthonys 4.
Sunday 16th October 2011 (LDFA Sunday Senior Cup Round 2):
Team: Postle, T.Low, Jones, Horton, Sedgwick, Butcher, Ranger, Markham, A.Smith, Robinson, Aifa. Subs: Herron, Newsome; unused subs: Lamping, Monaghan, Todman. As further reward for our efforts last season, Horsforth made their first appearance in the Leeds & District FA's Sunday Senior Cup, the highest level of competition for Sunday sides in the local area, and the fact that the draw pitted us against the side who have won the trophy for the last four seasons gave the fixture an added element of novelty. The team changes were relatively few, Tom Low and Callum Butcher recalled in defence, with PC Richard Horton moving back into midfield and Chris Jones back in the side at left wing-back. Throughout the 90 minutes, Horsforth refused to be intimidated by the Moor's reputation, nor overawed by their achievements, but in the opening spell we looked definitely the second best team on the pitch. Only sterling defence kept the home side from taking a decisive early lead, with our attack unable to keep the ball at the other end for any sort of time and a midfield that looked overrun. The only goal of the game came in the 18th minute, as a free kick from our left was half-cleared, and the ball back into the box from the right was met by the head of one of the Moor's central defenders for an easy finish. At this point, many teams would have folded, but Horsforth dug in and started winning some individual battles, with much more of the ball in midfield and the defence able to rely on teamwork rather than individual heroism. By half time, we felt we were going to have a say in the game, maybe still not exactly favourites but a long way from the makeweights many had gloomily prophesied we would be. If the first half had been pleasingly better than expected, the second half was a revelation. By now, we were not only enjoying spells of fine passing play in midfield, we were also creating chances at the home team's end. Anthony Smith looked dangerous every time the ball came anywhere near him, Jermaine likewise, and Scott Robinson's long-range shooting might have been even more decisive had his shot, fumbled by the Moor keeper, rebounded in the direction of Chris Markham with just a fraction more pace or spin. Don't get me wrong, the home team were probably still making more chances and better ones, and Jonathan Postle needed to have another impressive game between the sticks or else the course of events might have been very different, but at 1-0 down you have to keep believing you're in with a shout, and the belief our side showed today was sensational.
Well, it ended 1-0 to the Moor, and the best of luck to them in the defence of their trophy. By general consent the strongest Sunday team in Leeds, they were disappointed with their own showing today, but their manager's one-word verdict on the game, "terrible", perhaps reflects their own frustration at how good we turned out to be as much as any shortcomings on their part. Horsforth had contributed to a decent game of football, had rubbed shoulders with the best in the city and not been found wanting, and must take immense credit from this display. Like we said at training this week, at the very least take something from this game, learn a bit about ourselves and measure the gap between us and the best. Well, I reckon we did far more than that today. Of course, I am never happy at losing any game, however formidable the opposition and whatever the margin of defeat, and I hope none of you are either, but, having made our mark at various levels of the game over the previous 30-plus years, I would like to think today was the day we started to make some people at the highest level of the game sit up and take notice of Horsforth Fairweather FC.
Other round 2 games include: Beeston St Anthonys 5, West Leeds Whites 4; JB Celtic 1, Leeds City Rovers 4; Main Line Social 4, South Leeds United 0; Pudsey Liberal Club 1, Belle Isle WMC 2; Young Guns 4, Morley Celtic 7. Round 1: AFC Wagon 3, Crooked Billet 2. Barkston Ash Sunday Cup Round 2: Barwick Vets 1, Old Tree 3.
Heavy Woollen Sunday Cup Round 2:
Mirfield Town 2, Morley Cricket & Sports 3.
Sunday 23rd October 2011 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One):
Team: Postle, T.Low, Herron, Horton, Sedgwick, Butcher, Markham, Harvey, A.Smith, Robinson, Bell. Subs: Wriglesworth, D.Smith, Gough; unused subs: Jones, Vernon. Scorers: Butcher, Robinson (pen), A.Smith. Cautioned: Robinson (dissent). In spite of the generally positive reaction to last week's encounter with Halton Moor, Horsforth had to make a few changes with a couple of key players unavailable. Dean Herron came back into the starting line-up as an orthodox left-back in a back four alongside Tom Low, Steve Sedgwick and Callum Butcher. With Anthony Smith a lone striker, Horsforth opted for a five-man midfield, with Richard Horton and Chris Markham protecting the defence, and Jake Harvey one of three more attack-minded players in that area. Scott Robinson started down the right side, and there can rarely have been a more welcome return than that of Anthony Bell, who lined up on the left. Sadly however, the antipodes-bound Ant's comeback lasted just thirteen minutes before the back injury took its toll again, in what will probably now be his only outing of the season. At least in Tom Wriglesworth we were able to call on a quality substitute. In all honesty, the first half was pretty poor entertainment, and what good football was played came mostly from the home side. Playing downhill on the idiosyncratic sloping pitch at Western Flatts, and finding it offered no advantage, Horsforth struggled to cope in midfield, and needed last-ditch clearances from Sedge and Wrigsey to stay in the game at all. The Whites scored an astonishing opening goal, a shot from immense distance by Mark Temple-Baker that gave Horsforth keeper Jonathan Postle no chance, and that was the difference between the teams at the interval. Lots of hot air at half time, you'd expect that, but also a bit of calm reorganisation as Horsforth reverted to the three-man defence of Tom, Sedge and Callum, switched Wrigsey and Dean to wing-backs with Richard, Jake and Chris the central threesome, and Scott pushed up front alongside Anthony Smith. Whether this change of formation was entirely responsible for the turnaround in fortunes or not, the fact remains we equalised within a minute of the restart, though the goal itself was mired in controversy. Callum met Scott's right-wing corner and his header rebounded off the post and seemed to me to hit an object on the goal-line (a water bottle I'm told) but bounce back into play. The referee, who was quickly becoming the central figure in the events of the second period, was right on the spot and gave the goal, but I must admit I had a better view than him and I don't think I'd have given it. This turn of events seemed to disconcert the home side, and gave us fresh belief, though I think the reshuffle was more significant, as gradually Horsforth became the dominant force in midfield, winning more tackles, asking more questions about the Whites' defence and relying a bit less on our own traditional heroic last-ditch defending. Midway through the half, we enjoyed a purple patch as a defensive lapse from the home team let Scott through. and when he was brought down the referee - again somewhat controversially - awarded the penalty, and Scott himself did the honours to put us in front. A couple of minutes later, it got even better for Horsforth, Scott's clever lay-off setting Anthony Smith in on goal for his usual calm finish. With twenty minutes to play, we could ill afford to sit on even a two-goal cushion, and though we were now opening up the Whites' ragged back line almost at will with some superb passes from an inspired midfield, it must be recorded that they too looked dangerous whenever they got anywhere near our goal. We tried to cool the game down with a couple more substitutions, with another of last year's heroes Dean Smith making his first appearance of the season and there was time for a few minutes of Andy Gough as makeshift striker, but this was never going to be an easy win. In the last few minutes, the referee gave a penalty against Pos for, well frankly heaven knows what for, but the young keeper dived to his right and saved the spot kick. And he needed to save it, for the Whites salvaged a goal deep into stoppage time, a tap-in in the end but there had been a few goal-line clearances before that, and for the second time in a month we triumphed over the same team by the odd goal in five, harsh indeed on a West Leeds side who had contributed greatly to both games, but welcome points for Horsforth as, I hardly need remind you, we continue to battle it out at a higher level of the game.
If this was not a comprehensive win, it was a well-earned one, the result of a very strong second-half performance and taking our chances when we were on top. Hard to justify our claim that we deserve four points out of four against the worthy Whites, but we'll take them and move on from here. Lots to be positive about, and yet another very close game and an absorbing one to watch.
Other league games:
JB Celtic 2, Beeston St Anthonys 4 (this game later ruled null and void);
Morley Celtic 3, South Leeds United 0;
Pudsey Liberal Club 0, Young Guns 4;
Swillington Welfare 1, Old Tree 5.
Sunday 30th October 2011 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One):
Team: Postle, Gough, Herron, Horton, Sedgwick, T.Low, Todman, Butcher, A.Smith, Robinson, Wriglesworth. Subs: Monaghan, P.Smith, Rayner; unused subs: Jones, Newsome. Scorers: Todman, Butcher, Wriglesworth. Another week and yet another swathe of team changes. In Anthony Bell and Chris Markham, two more great HFFC servants of recent years will not be wearing the green and black shirt for the indefinite future, and while we wish them both luck on their travels they leave us with more big holes to fill. Reverting to the traditional 3-5-2 formation, Horsforth switched the swashbuckling Callum Butcher into midfield, and with Jake Harvey unwell we turned to Errol Todman to make up the three-man central axis alongside Richard Horton. Andy Gough returned in defence, partnered by Steven Sedgwick and Tom Low. Tom Wriglesworth and Dean Herron continued at wing-backs, Jonathan Postle in goal, and Anthony Smith and Scott Robinson comprised the attack. And yes, there were still five subs. But this was at best a tepid performance from a Horsforth team that - all enforced changes notwithstanding - should be doing far better. An extremely lacklustre first half came to life when Pos was forced to race from his goal and wave his hands around (as he does so well) in a desperate, and strangely successful, bid to bluff a Billet striker who was clean through on goal into missing the game's best chance. On 27 minutes, a rather tame shot from Wrigsey found its way through to Errol in the penalty area, and the man brought in to add some steel to the midfield gave Horsforth the lead, the ball getting a couple of touches from Billet defenders along the way but most would agree this was the worthy Errol's first goal for the club. On another day that might have lit the path towards a straightforward win, but the home team took only two minutes to hit back, as our defence had two chances to clear the ball from the danger area but failed with both attempts, and the inevitable punishment ensued. With the tempo of the game picking up now, Horsforth were awarded a very soft penalty when Callum was shoved in the area, but Scott's penalty found only the keeper's legs, and the interval arrived with the game in the balance at 1-1.
The general presumption during the break was that things would come right in the second half, but a disastrous opening spell resulted in our spending the rest of the match chasing the game. Only 30 seconds in, the home side's Andrew Lynn hit a shot from immense distance that gave Pos no chance whatsoever, and this seemed to give their confidence a shot in the arm. Eleven minutes into the half, their central defender Jonathan Weston met a corner with an unopposed header, an astonishing lapse from a defence that has performed wonders in recent games, and the margin was 3-1. Horsforth, wounded but not yet mortally so, turned to stalwart midfielder Lee Monaghan as substitute, and a couple of minutes after his introduction into the game the veteran schemer placed a free-kick right into the path of Callum, who reduced the arrears. For a while, it seemed we must find a way back into the game, and some of our passing moves tore the Billet defence to shreds - yet, all too often, a promising move came to nothing as the chance was squandered without even asking the home keeper to make a save. On 27 minutes, the home team extended their lead to 4-2 with one of the game's best moves, our defence again exposed by some rather simple pass and move stuff but you have to say the finish was exquisite. Horsforth brought Phil Smith into the game for the first time this season at this stage, the return of the talismanic Geordie defender perhaps of more significance to the course of the remainder of the season than it was to today's events. With six minutes left, some splendid passing led to a chance for Tom Wrigs, who blasted home his first goal for the club from close range, and from here any result was possible (though Tom believed he'd equalised, the score was still 4-3). In the dying seconds of the game, Horsforth pushed everyone up for a free-kick, but all those pushed forward could only watch as the home team cleared their lines and broke upfield, to score a flattering fifth goal, as, for the first time this season, Horsforth were to lose a game by more than a single goal.
Well, readers, I hope you know me well enough to understand that when you're good, I tell you you were good; when you're bad, I tell you there's room for improvement. Today there was room for a lot of improvement. As a club, we are blest at the moment with almost a surplus of quality defenders, yet today our defence lacked organisation far too often. Up front, we made a plethora of chances, but far too often didn't even force the shaky-looking Billet goalie to make a save. And there have of course been so many changes to our midfield this season it's a wonder the lads who play there even know each other's names, but I hope it will not be taken unduly amiss when I say this was a game we should not have been second-best in that department, yet looking at the result it has to be admitted we must have done something wrong. A bad day at the office all round lads, and I hope we will understand that, the level we're now playing at, we simply can't afford to lose games that are as winnable as this one was.
Other league games:
Beeston St Anthonys 2, Young Guns 4;
Morley Celtic 3, JB Celtic 5;
Pudsey Liberal Club 2, Swillington Welfare 1;
Morley Cricket & Sports 4, South Leeds United 0;
West Leeds Whites 3, Old Tree 6.
Sunday 6th November 2011 (WRCFA County Sunday Cup Round 2):
Team: Postle, Gough, Herron, Horton, P.Smith, Butcher, Todman, Harvey, A.Smith, Robinson, Vernon. Subs: Newsome, D.Smith, Wriglesworth; unused subs: Monaghan, Rayner. Scorers: A.Smith, Newsome. Two key defensive changes were required for the trip to Bradford, with Tom Low and sweeper Steven Sedgwick out. Callum Butcher was moved back to the rear, with Phil Smith starting for the first time this season. Jake Harvey returned to replace Callum in the midfield, while Jon Vernon was given the start in the right wing-back position. The opening 20 minutes or so were fairly even, but the home team, from Bradford's Premier Division, always gave the impression they thought they had too much class for us, and once the first goal arrived on 22 minutes, a free header at a corner, things quickly went downhill for a Horsforth side who began to look second best in every department. The second goal, on 28 minutes came when a Horsforth goal-kick was returned with interest, and the home game scored twice more before the break, some controversy about the third and fourth goals with defenders claiming fouls, but at 4-0 down there was going to be little to play for in the second half except pride. More of the same ensued after the interval, and when Mill Lane increased the lead to five after 17 minutes of the half it really did seem we'd be doing well to keep it to single figures. Horsforth's response was the introduction of John Newsome, a few days after his - wait for this - 49th birthday. And, as has so often been the case in the past, the evergreen John had an immediate impact on the game, winning the ball in midfield and feeding Anthony Smith who finished with his usual style. With Callum unable to continue, Dean Smith also appeared as sub, stand-in captain Richard Horton taking over in defence. Soon after this, Anthony returned the compliment for John, driving the ball in from the right wing and the home team's attempts at clearing the danger only made for a rather comical goal as it bounced in off the embarrassed John's backside. They all count though, and full praise to John for being there and, to coin a phrase, making it happen. Of course, we shouldn't have left our revival till we were five goals down, and the Mill Lane lads bagged a sixth goal with a deep cross from the left and a seventh when Jonathan Postle brilliantly saved a rasping shot only to see the ball rebound into the path of a striker who could hardly miss. These late goals gave the scoreline a more one-sided look than our second half performance merited, in my opinion, even if we could hardly claim to have been unlucky in losing.
By some way the most disappointing result of the season then, but we join the County Cup every season to be measured against the best so inevitably there will be days when we are second-best. We have to use fixtures like this one as a learning experience: take what positives we can from our brief revival, certainly, but accept that there are areas of our game we need to improve, individually and as a team. Well, the first step towards addressing those deficiencies is to realise that they are there - and today, without doubt, we were made to realise it. League games: Crooked Billet 2, Old Tree 7; Morley Cricket & Sports 1, Pudsey Liberal Club 2; South Leeds United 0, Young Guns 7; Swillington Welfare 2, Morley Celtic 3; West Leeds Whites 5, Beeston St Anthonys 0.
WRCFA County Sunday Trophy Round 2:
Gate Sundays 6, JB Celtic 3.
Sunday 13th November 2011 (Sanford Cup Round 2):
Team: Postle, Bednarek, Herron, Wriglesworth, Todman, Jones, Monaghan, Harvey, A.Smith, Newsome, Rayner. Subs: Aifa, Robinson, Merifield; unused sub: Gentry. Where shall we start then? The excuses first, I suppose. Having used no less than eight players in central defence over nine games this season sounds extraordinary enough; to find none of them available defies rational analysis, so I won't try. So Horsforth started with Errol Todman and Chris Jones at the heart of a back four, added to which Mark Bednarek, back at the club after a three-year absence, could hardly have expected to be asked to line up at right full-back. Left-back Dean Herron was the only member of the defence to have played in position before. The midfield was hardly less makeshift. Jake Harvey afforded the only measure of continuity, though even he was switched with Errol early in the proceedings. Tom Wriglesworth and Lee Monaghan were deployed around him in the centre, with Marc Rayner, starting for the first time in two years, on the right, and Anthony Smith asked to fill in on the left. John Newsome's impact on last week's game had earned him the start as the lone striker. A blow-by-blow account of the game? Sorry, but those who were there will remember it for a long time, and for those who found something better to do this morning, I'm really not sure I can be bothered to describe it. Suffice to say the scoreline tells its own story. Oh, go on then... We gave away three soft goals in the first few minutes, got it together a bit after that, largely due to the decision to switch Jake and Errol, and got through to the break at three down. Three more conceded straight after the interval, maybe we went chasing the game a bit early, maybe just too deep, maybe just second-best, but anyway after that it was just a question of how many they'd score before they lost interest, and we weren't helped by the fact that the ref started awarding them penalties either. Much as I hate to single out people for special praise, the contribution of Jonathan Postle to keeping the score out of the record books cannot go unmentioned, even if he was miles off his line for the penalty he saved. But in my book at least, all eleven who turned out for the club today, plus the subs, deserve more words of commendation than I could possibly find, and as for everyone else... Well, I guess it wants saying - HFFC will never be able to compete with the best in Sunday football as long as we keep having days like this. I could go on, but that is really all I want to say. Other than that, it only remains to compliment HT Sports on being just about the best team we have ever played, as well as a very decent set of lads and a well-run club to boot: we can only wish them as much success as they deserve. For us, it's all about Next Week now. Other round 2 games: Chapeltown Fforde Grene v Belle Isle WMC postponed; Leeds City Rovers 2, Main Line Social 3; Leeds Lions Seniors 4, Swinnow White Horse 2; Pudsey Liberal Club 3, Rothwell Town 2; Seacroft Colts v Barwick away win; Swillington Welfare 3, Beeston St Anthonys 2; West Leeds Whites 3, Old Tree 2.
League games:
Morley Celtic 10, Crooked Billet 0;
Young Guns 3, Morley Cricket & Sports 5.
Sunday 20th November 2011 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One):
Team: Postle, Bednarek, Herron, Horton, Butcher, Todman, Wriglesworth, Harvey, A.Smith, Newsome, Ranger. Subs: Robinson, Aifa, Gough; unused subs: Merifield, Monaghan. Cautioned: Butcher. With Richard Horton and Callum Butcher taking over in central defence, Horsforth started with both Errol Todman and Jake Harvey in central midfield. Tom Wriglesworth moved back out to the right of the central foursome, with top scorer Anthony Smith again asked to do the damage from the left. Jermaine Ranger was a welcome addition to the side, starting up front alongside John Newsome. The game took a while to get going, both sides at first a bit tentative, due perhaps to the fog that had for a while put the start in doubt. On 15 minutes, right-back Mark Bednarek was drawn into a rash challenge on JB's extremely talented winger Matty Dalton, and the penalty was converted. The second goal arrived on 27 minutes, as a deep free-kick was judged by our defenders to have bounced out of play, but the referee decided otherwise, and the ball was tapped into our net while we appealed in vain for a goal-kick we were never going to get. Not to make excuses though, I thought we were very markedly second best in just about every area of the pitch, and the 2-0 half-time lead in no way flattered the away side. A heartfelt team talk at the break resulted in a brief revival, and a goal back at this stage would have made the game a lot more interesting. Horsforth made a couple of substitutions, but as luck would have it the visitors scored within a few seconds of both of them. Scott Robinson was brought into the attack, just as a half-cleared corner was swept majestically into our net for the third goal, which effectively sealed the game, then Noureddine Aifa was introduced in midfield, only to stand and watch as a long shot deceived Jonathan Postle to stretch the lead to four. By the time the fifth goal went in, the defence were chasing shadows, as the superiority of the away side became more and more clear-cut. The sellotape that had been holding this team of ours together at the start of the season has pretty definitely come off now, to judge from this woeful performance. We expected a reaction from last week, but it wasn't forthcoming. Having held it together commendably at the start of the season, our side seems to be feeling the absence of certain key players more than ever at the moment, and today we also seemed to me worryingly lacking in confidence. There's a lot more I feel like saying, but this is probably not the time nor the place, so I'll wrap it up there. Other league games: Crooked Billet 0, Swillington Welfare 4; Pudsey Liberal Club 7, West Leeds Whites 3; Young Guns 5, South Leeds United 1. LDFA Sunday Senior Cup Round 3 included: HT Sports 6, Morley Celtic 1; Swinnow White Horse 3, Beeston St Anthonys 3 (Beeston won 8-7 on penalties). Barkston Ash Sunday Cup Round 3: Old Tree 0, Bardsey 1.
Heavy Woollen Sunday Cup Round 3:
Woodman Batley Carr 2, Morley Cricket & Sports 0.
Sunday 27th November 2011 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One):
Team: Postle, Gough, D.Smith, Horton, Armstrong, Butcher, Herron, Harvey, Newsome, Robinson, Aifa. Subs: Merifield, Todman, Jones; unused subs: Monaghan, Wriglesworth. Scorers: Newsome, Herron, Horton. Cautioned: Robinson. Sent off: Todman. The team news headlines were the very welcome return of Barry Armstrong at sweeper after a long spell out injured, though this was balanced by the unavailability of top scorer Anthony Smith. Horsforth restored Andy Gough to a starting role in a back three, with Callum Butcher the third of the musketeers. Dean Smith started for the first time this season, at left wing-back, allowing his namesake Dean Herron to switch to the right. Richard Horton moved into midfield alongside Jake Harvey, Noureddine Aifa making up a solid threesome. Scott Robinson partnered John Newsome up front. If we'd expected an easy romp against the division's bottom team, we were to be disappointed, but this was in most aspects of the game a significant improvement on the preceding few weeks' performances. Horsforth were fairly clearly the better side for most of the first half, but for the most part unable to turn our superiority into goals. The only exception was after 17 minutes, when Callum went on a foray down the left and cut the ball back for the lurking John, the same player who had scored our previous goal breaking the drought that by my calculations had lasted about 215 minutes. Against a side whose attacking options were pretty limited, that should really have been enough for a half-time lead, but we contrived to concede an equaliser after 33 minutes when a "have it" ball was clouted up the middle of the pitch, caught on the swirling wind and bouncing between defenders and keeper Jonathan Postle, and away striker Neil Garrett judged the flight perfectly to ensure we were forced to change ends at 1-1. Crucially, there was no panic at the break, and Horsforth continued to look the more likely team in the second period. The decisive goal came after 10 minutes of the half, as Richard's long throw from the left found its way to Dean Herron who finished coolly with his left foot. On 27 minutes, captain Richard more or less sealed the points with a splendid free-kick, that came back off the bar and went in off the otherwise very impressive South Leeds keeper Nick Thompson. Horsforth were certainly in no position to relax during the game's latter stages, but then again we never looked like squandering the two-goal lead, and finished the game well on top territorially. The game's only sour note came in the very last minute. Although the match had for the most part been played with good spirit between the two sets of players, a series of niggling incidents marred the latter stages, and the referee seemed unable to defuse the situation as the exchanges became more heated. With what turned out to be the last kick of the ball, substitute Errol Todman fouled South Leeds's Simon Gillett, and from there the red mist came down. The flurry of fists that followed resulted in both players being shown the red card, an incident that serves to highlight the injustice of the game's disciplinary system: Errol was doing no more than defend himself against an opponent who had simply "lost it", yet it seems likely they will both receive the same punishment - 3 matches I would expect, and there's no appeal these days. Had he not defended himself, he would probably have wound up in hospital, so what on earth was he supposed to do? Anyway, the referee thankfully blew the final whistle at this point, and Horsforth at least came home with the points after a worrying sequence of defeats. This was by no means a great performance, and if we think we've solved all our problems, we need to think again. All things considered, this was an unspectacular but resolute display from a set of players who have come in for much criticism in recent weeks, and today I'd say they got the reward they deserved.
Other games:
Morley Celtic 3, Pudsey Liberal Club 2;
Old Tree 2, Morley Cricket & Sports 5;
Swillington Welfare 2, Beeston St Anthonys 1;
West Leeds Whites 4, JB Celtic 4;
Young Guns 6, Crooked Billet 3.
Sunday 4th December 2011 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One):
Team: Postle, Vernon, D.Smith, Horton, Gough, Butcher, Bednarek, Harvey, A.Smith, Robinson, Todman. Sub: Jones; unused subs: Monaghan, Newsome. Scorers: Harvey, Robinson. Excuses first, which usually means we start with team changes. With Baz Armstrong unavailable, Horsforth brought Jon Vernon into the back three, Andy Gough taking over as the spare defender, in theory at least. Mark Bednarek started at right wing-back in place of Dean Herron, Errol Todman in central midfield as replacement for Noureddine Aifa. Anthony Smith's return in attack was at the expense of John Newsome. If any of these changes represent any sort of explanation for what followed, I'd like to hear it. The first half was, lest we forget, quite splendid entertainment. Both teams did their level best to play football in spite of the appalling weather conditions, and the sides matched each other goal for goal. Beeston's early strike was cancelled by a superb volley from Jake Harvey, while their own excellent long range second goal was matched by Bedders's incisive pass to Scott Robinson for our subsequent equaliser. At half time, I must say I felt this was as even a game of football as I had witnessed for a vrey long time, a contest that reflected credit on both sides for their valiant attempts to make a game of it under difficult circumstances. Well, whatever transpired at the break, Horsforth came out for the second half in utter disarray. A defence that seemed paralysed by fear, and an attack that was conspicuous only by its absence. With eight minutes played of the second period, we found oursleves 6-2 down, a succession of defensive errors punished while we were unable to get any sort of foothold in the Beeston half. Why? You'll have to discuss that amongst yourselves, readers, which is not to say I don't have my opinions, more I don't fancy publicising them to the watching world. After this initial spell of madness, we settled into playing our more normal game, but were inevitably chasing the result, and, though we did indeed have chances to reduce the arrears, by the final whistle we looked as well beaten a team as I have ever seen on a Sunday morning. Not much left to say, in this medium at least. Whatever your view on the team's problems this morning, I hope we will keep the spirit positive in the camp, because that's what took us to our success last season. Clearly, there are problems to be faced before we get back to to those heights, but I hope the players who have been with the club in good times and bad will realise that this is not the time for finger-pointing and arguing among ourselves, just a phase we have to get through. Other than that, I think it best we say what needs to be said offline.
Other games:
Crooked Billet 4, Pudsey Liberal Club 5;
Morley Cricket & Sports 8, West Leeds Whites 1;
South Leeds United 0, JB Celtic 7;
Young Guns 6, Old Tree 4.
Sunday 11th December 2011 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One):
Team: Postle, Herron, D.Smith, Horton, Gough, Vernon, Butcher, Harvey, A.Smith, Robinson, Aifa. Subs: Thorp, Wriglesworth, Newsome; unused sub: Monaghan. Scorers: Aifa, Newsome. Without Mark Bednarek and Errol Todman, Horsforth brought Dean Herron back at right wing-back, and Noureddine Aifa into midfield. There were a few positional changes too: Richard Horton, still captain in the absence of Sedge, switched to sweeper with Andy Gough and Jon Vernon the markers, and Callum Butcher moved forward into midfield. In spite of the terrible conditions, Horsforth opened by far the brighter. The midfield kept it simple, passing the ball into the open spaces behind the South Leeds defence's high line, while in defence Richard marshalled a solid-looking rearguard. The only fly in the ointment was our inability to take the chances that came our way, though on 17 minutes we did take the lead as Dean Herron's shot came back off the bar only to find Nounou, whose inspired overhead effort also hit the bar but this time bounced under it and into the net, a first ever goal for the club for a player who has been an unsung hero for much of this season. More chances came and went, it seemed we should have been two or three goals up and the points secure by half-time, but as long as it's only 1-0 it's never safe, and the game turned on a refereeing decision in the 32nd minute. Horsforth goalie Jonathan Postle seemed to me to have done superbly when he went to ground and took the ball off a striker, and no one could believe it when the ref awarded a penalty. For a while it looked as if he was going to compound the error by taking action against the young goalkeeper, but luckily a few well-chosen words from Richard helped him see sense. All the same the penalty was converted by Neil Garrett, and the game was back in the balance, with both teams somewhat catching their breath from this point to the interval. In fairness to a set of Horsforth players much criticised in the past for lack of composure in the face of bizarre refereeing decisions, we did clear our heads pretty quickly, and came out for the second half in determined mood. And yet, the impetus seemed to have gone from our attacking play, the game became increasingly littered with stoppages, and seemed to be petering out for a 1-1 draw. Horsforth decided to freshen it up, bringing on James Thorp for his long-delayed competitive debut for the club, and instantly Thorpy was involved in an incident with the home side's left back, which saw the latter sent off. Whether the red card was for the foul or the afters was hard to tell, but this turn of events served only to reinvigorate the flagging home team, and from here on their commitment to the cause was commendable in the extreme. They probably thought they'd done enough for their first win of the season when after 21 minutes a diagonal ball found Garrett again, and his finish was excellent, a bit of a lesson perhaps for the way we had squandered similar chances during our spell of ascendancy. But this Horsforth side, which maybe lacks some of the class of last season's team, still retains a certain doggedness and refusal to roll over when things go against us, and none exemplify this spirit more so than the veteran John Newsome, brought on as third substitute with ten minutes left. We had been laying siege to the South Leeds goal for a while, but the equaliser eluded us, until Goughy found a bit of space in the penalty area and his first effort was blocked but found its way to John who slammed home from close range with a few seconds left on the watch. Another controversial moment, as the home team complained long and loud about an offside decision they didn't get - hard for me to judge the whole picture but I thought neither Goughy nor John were off - and a memorable if undistinguished game ended honours-even, the home side's first point of the season. I guess we are working to reduced expectations with the Horsforth team of 2011, it is of course unrecognisable in terms of personnel alone from the championship side of last season, and comparisons are frankly not helpful at this stage of redevelopment. I'd put this game down as a demonstration, not of any residual class from that great side now so prematurely consigned to history, but perhaps as a memento of the never-say-die attitude and sheer self-belief that, I trust, remains with us from those halcyon days. Not a great game, nor one to look back on with any genuine sense of achievement, but at least we salvaged something from the wreckage, and if one point was not our target when we kicked off, it was certainly one more than we might have ended up with. Other games: Crooked Billet 1, Young Guns 13; Morley Cricket & Sports 5, Old Tree 4; Pudsey Liberal Club 5, Morley Celtic 4. Sunday District Cup Round 3: Rothwell Town 5, Beeston St Anthonys 4 AET.
Sanford Cup Round 2:
Chapeltown Fforde Grene 0, Belle Isle WMC 3.
Sunday 18th December 2011 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One): Young Guns v Horsforth Fairweather postponed, pitch frozen.
Other games:
Beeston St Anthonys v Pudsey Liberal Club;
Morley Cricket & Sports v Crooked Billet;
Old Tree v Morley Celtic;
South Leeds United v West Leeds Whites;
Swillington Welfare v JB Celtic - all postponed.
Sunday 8th January 2012 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One):
Beeston St Anthonys 0, Swillington Welfare 3;
JB Celtic 4, West Leeds Whites 3;
Morley Cricket & Sports 8, Morley Celtic 0;
Pudsey Liberal Club 2, Old Tree 1;
South Leeds United 1, Crooked Billet 3.
Sunday 15th January 2012 (Leeds Combination AFL Division One): Horsforth Fairweather v Morley Cricket & Sports postponed, pitch frozen. Other league games: JB Celtic v Young Guns; Morley Celtic v Old Tree; Swillington Welfare v Pudsey Liberal Club - all postponed.
Sanford Cup Round 3:
West Leeds Whites v South Leeds United.
This page last updated January 2012. |
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