This Wednesday top of the table Newcastle Mens 2’s took on Leeds Mens 2’s at home. A good match up on paper, Newcastle scored 4 goals past Leeds' keeper on a day where they struggled to find the back of the net. A 6 o’clock start a cold rainy night under the lights set the scene for what was to be a very physical contest.
Newcastle won the first face off putting the pressure right on Leeds. Straight into attack as they spun the ball around with fast and accurate passes, opening large gaps in their defense. After England’s recent thrashing of New Zealand on Saturday, Kiwi Dominic Aldridge somewhat redeemed his nation's recent poor sporting performances by netting home the first goal for Newcastle in no time at all. Not long after George Thompson from way out managed to find a pass to Laurie Kitchen in space near the crease, who put away the second. Then towards the end of the second quarter came another shot from Laurie Kitchen at goal which hit the woodwork, the ball ricocheted back at him and he calmly slotted home to make it 3. Leeds in disarray.
An inspirational speech from captain Tom Wilson at the end of the quarter rallied the troops to put the hammer to Leeds. Confidence in camp was sky high with ground balls now being swept up with ease and regular shots being taken left, right and centre. With the score still at 3-0 it was that man again Dom Aldridge with a piercing shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net, met with a roar from the side-lines
At the start of the second half with Newcastle 4-0 up Leeds were in desperate need for a goal, but their attack was no match for Newcastle's defense, led by Alex Adams-Waite keeping everyone in check. A standout performance came from Ewart Rees, who bullied the opposition with his big pole and helped the attack by feeding the ball into good areas countless times. The attacks luck was running thin with shot after shot but the Leeds Uni goalie was having a good day in net making our job very tough. Nothing could find the back of the net. Then just like the week before our opponents managed to sneak one in against the run of play at the very last minute, ruining debutant goalie Bertie Mitford's hopes of a clean sheet. However, it does not takeaway what was a great all around performance from the lads in blue keeping them firmly at the top of the table.
Final score 4-1 to Newcastle.
