MATCH REPORTS – LTU 2nd Team Football

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TASC 2NDS: SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER ROUND UP

Squad photo for Chris Dow’s graduation day

It’s been a inconsistent season for us so far. Currently sitting 5th in the league with 6 games played and 5 points won – it doesn’t look great. However, I believe we have improved as the season has carried out, and we genuinely feel as a team we deserved more. This is going to be a short round up and summary of our season so far, with a few words from myself and other players.

TASC 2nds had a shaky start to the season, losing both games 5-1 and 6-2 to Sheffield Hallam and Sunderland respectively. I didn’t play in either, but when asking for comments from the lads they claimed that they just didn’t turn up, and in the end deserved to lose. After a poor start, TASC 2nds began to improve their performances and this was reciprocated in the results.

LEEDS TRINITY MENS 2NDS – 1

YORK MENS 3 – 1

We got our season going with a well fought draw away to Uni of York. With the team still developing, my first game with the team was decent – although, admittedly I should have scored a few! York were a good side, with their grass pitch played to their advantage – so hopefully in the reverse fixture we can get the win. Both sides had a decent amount of chances, with Reece Smith and Robbie Dyson striking the crossbar, Dan Cresswell missing a penalty (sorry dan). It was a surprise the game only had 2 goals.

MoM: Ryan Walsh (voted by the players)

LEEDS TRINITY MENS 2NDS – 3

UNI OF HUDDERSFIELD MENS 2NDS – 1

Our first win, and what a win it was! Everyone will agree that this game was the best we had played so far – especially due to the fact we were 1-0 down and had 10 men after 20 minutes. We dug in for each other, stayed compact and through sheer grit and determination we came through with the victory in front of the Trinity faithful. Our first goal came through a lapse in the Huddersfield defence, seeing Robbie Dyson through on goal, who layed the ball off to Brandon Smith who slotted home. Our second goal came through winger Ryan Sharp who latched onto a long ball from Brandon Smith, who then slotted the ball home. The next 45 minutes of the game, TASC defended resolutely and remained solid until the 90th minute where the ball was cleared to the feet of Josh Roberts who rolled the ball into an empty net from the half way line. This game was a definite highlight of the season – and I think most of the lads will agree. The buzz after the game was immense and we 100% deserved it.

MoM: Everyone – (voted by the players)

LEEDS TRINITY MENS 2NDS – 0

UNIVERSITY OF YORK 3RDS – 3

The less said about this game the better. An incredibly poor first half cost us, and the 2 goals we conceded were poor – but in the attack we created hardly any chances. We were looking to carry on the form from the last 2 games – but we failed to do so, frustratingly. The second half, however, was 10x better. We created many a chance but we could not take them – a recurring theme throughout the season – through a Josh Roberts volley that was brilliantly saved by the York keeper and a goal line clearance from a strike from me in the penalty area. In the end, we just couldn’t score and it was demoralising. One shining light from the game was the praise from the referee – who claimed that we were ‘one of the best sides he had seen on that pitch’ and that we were deserving of much more. Nice comments, but frustrating that we couldn’t do it where it really matters on the pitch. Onto the next one.

MoM: Sam Geen (voted by the players)

LEEDS TRINITY MENS 2NDS – 2

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY MENS 4THS – 2

Arguably our best performance yet. We matched a strong Sheffield team (who are unbeaten so far) toe-to-toe and came out on top for most of the games. We kept Sheffield relatively quiet and created some great chances. It could have been better for us if the referee was competent and gave 2 stonewall penalties and issued red cards but we did enough to win despite this. Our first goal came through freak fashion. A 70 yard punt from James Austin wasn’t dealt with by the keeper and bounced into the net. Secondly, a fantastic volley from Olly Clark Irons after a Jack Wood cross saw TASC equalise the game up. All in all, a well battled draw but we left East Yorkshire deserving all 3 points. Sheffield are class and will probably win the league, so it was a great performance and result for us in the end.

MotM: Brandon Smith

In my opinion, it’s been a weird and inconsistent season so far. Generally, we’ve played quite well in most games, and in the games where we haven’t played well – we’ve still had opportunity to win. I believe we can go on a good streak after the Christmas break as we’re finally started to play like a team. With more cutting edge and being able to take our chances, we can start getting good results. I also spoke to some of my fellow players including the captain Ethan Woodley, winger Ryan Sharp and striker Robbie Dyson. Here’s what they had to say about the season so far:

ETHAN WOODLEY: “It’s been a tough few months for all of us, getting some really good results along with some bad ones. It’s been difficult as a few times we have had it tough with injuries or players not being available, but we have stuck together as a team so well and I couldn’t ask for a better group of lads to be sharing it with. We also can not forget what may be the best moment for me in a TASC shirt, being down to 10, winning and celebrating the way we did, that’s what we do it for! We have been unlucky so far, but with a few changes here and there I really do think we can do well in the second half of the season.”

RYAN SHARP: “I feel the first few games of the season were a bit unfair on us, the performances and desire the lads showed wasn’t justified in the results we got. However, after this the team clicked and we found our true form. We all wanted to play for each other. I feel like there is still a lot of work to be done, but from what I have seen, if we can pull performances off better than what we already have been playing, then the rest of the season will be a breeze from here.”

ROBBIE DYSON: “From the start of our season to now pushing onto the middle of the season, I feel like we’ve now found our structure in how the set up our team. All roles and responsibilities have now been established as everyone knows how the play they’re game on the pitch. Something that it working really well as a team is our disciple to press as a team, or sit and hold effectively, we do this really well as we show discipline when they’re on the attack and as we try to defend.”

Special mention to those three for taking the time to tell me their thoughts on the opening few months!

Also, thank you for taking the time to read my match reports. I hope you enjoyed reading them as much as I did writing them. Here’s to winning all our remaining games and winning the league 😉 – Stay Tuned!

Ryan

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TASC 2NDS DRAW IN WELL FOUGHT HALLAM BATTLE

05/12/2019 – @rywalshmedia

LEEDS TRINITY MENS 2NDS – 2

SHEFFIELD HALLAM 4THS – 2

TASC 2nds travelled down to sunny South Yorkshire to face a Hallam team who had won their opening 2 games, intending to bounce back from the disappointing defeat to York the week before. Trinity did just that, and put in a strong performance against a very decent Sheffield side. Leeds started the game the stronger and sharper team, as they popped the ball about like a prime Barcelona and created a few half chances which Sheffield dealt with in the end. A stunning save by No. 1 Clarke Scott to tip the ball over the bar from a looping header set the tone, and Trinity seemed to rise in confidence as the opening stages unfolded.

It wasn’t until the 20th minute that full back James Austin hit an audacious 70-yard punt that caught the helpless Hallam goalkeeper off-guard, and bounced in to the back of the net. Fortunate; but just what Trinity deserved after a superb start. 1-0. Hallam grew frustrated through TASC’s dominance, flying into a few dangerous challenges, one two-footed tackle in particular in the centre of the park on Dan Cresswell was not punished, much to the surprise of the substitutes and Sheffield faithful on the sidelines. Trinity did not let this get to their heads and remained composed, with the midfield three and the back four being solid as ever, and not backing down to any 50/50s or personal battles. Our dominance would soon be undermined, however, as Sheffield equalise through an unfortunate mix up at the back. Clarke-Scott emerged to punch the ball clear, which then took an unfortunate ricochet, falling to the Hallam forward to tap into an empty net. An undeserved goal, but a goal nonetheless. 5 minutes of madness saw Sheffield score again, this time from a free-kick. Poor marking at the front post allowed Hallam to tap home again with their second shot on target. A frustrating end to an otherwise, excellent first half.

Going into Half Time, the atmosphere was much better than last week’s disaster-class of a first half as it was recognised that we were massively unlucky to be losing. In my opinion, the best that we have played all season, but the threat that Hallam had was highlighted and re-emphasised. The mantra being that, if we continue the way we are playing and don’t let our standards drop, we can get a result out of the game. Special mention to the midfield three of Cresswell, Smith and Clarke-Irons who had put in a consistent and discipline performance, rarely putting a foot wrong. With that being said, everyone had a fantastic first half and TASC deserved more.

The second half began, and Sheffield came flying out the blocks, creating a few chances, forcing Clarke-Scott into making strong saves. Valiant defending from all the TASC back four kept the score at 2-1; including left back Wade Golland, who didn’t mistime a tackle all game, pocketing the Hallam right midfielder. Centre backs Sam Geen, who put in yet another great performance, captain Ethan Woodley, Mr Consistent, kept us in the game as well as goalscorer James Austin – who put in a big shift whilst nursing an injury. Leeds’ Men worked hard for each other and formed a defensive unit, soaking up early pressure. Trinity grew into the second half and equalised just after 60 minutes through a superb Clarke-Irons side-foot volley into the top right corner from an inch-perfect cross from winger Jack Wood – who caused all sorts of problems for the Hallam back four all game. TASC 2nds sheer willingness to play football in a scrappy second half was admirable, and it should have paid off, with Trinity finishing the game the strongest. We were unfortunate not to take the lead through a Ryan Walsh corner, which found the head of Woodley, who flicked it on to find Zeedane Nasim, who’s effort smashed off the post. Continued pressure and that man again, Nasim, who had an excellent second half saw him tripped in the penalty area, which the referee waved away again – another stonewall-er denied!

After 90 minutes and a nervy ending, Trinity took a point away at South Yorkshire against an unbeaten Hallam side. We can hold our heads up high after bouncing back from last week against York, and putting in a performance that was, in the end, deserving of the 3 points. I hate to say it, and I know refereeing is a difficult job, but the official has missed 3/4 game changing decisions – in particular, the 2 penalty shouts, as even the Hallam supporters and fellow substitutes admitted they were both clear penalties. Upon reflection, both sides had chances to win the game, and they were not taken, so perhaps a draw is a fair result.

A gutsy performance from the men in red and black from Clarke Scott to Dyson, every single one of the lads put in a shift and in my opinion, it was one of our best performances so far. In a thrilling end to end game, I believe we just edged it and should have left with all 3 points.

MoM (as voted by the players): BRANDON SMITH

DotD (as voted by the players): DAN CRESSWELL

Written by Ryan Walsh (@rywalshmedia)

PS: Congratulations to Leeds Trinity Student Union Vice President and TASC 2nds own midfield maestro Chris Dow on graduating on Wednesday.

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SPIRITED SECOND HALF NOT ENOUGH FOR TRINITY 2NDS IN DISAPPOINTING YORK MATCH-UP

02/12/19 – @rywalshmedia

LEEDS TRINITY MENS 2NDS – 0

UNIVERSITY OF YORK 2NDS – 3

TASC 2nds were looking to go 3 games unbeaten as they travelled down to York to take on their University 2nd team. A great performance last week against Huddersfield meant that confidence was high within the group and was carried over into the first 20 minutes of the game; with TASC 2nds popping the ball about nicely on a poor pitch and created a few half chances that weren’t taken. Rued chances was the theme of the afternoon and this would come to haunt Leeds after 90 minutes. York struck 2 in as many minutes and capitalised on TASC’s capitulation. An unfortunate own goal by Brad Charlesworth opened the scoring and soon after, York doubled their lead with an easy finish in the bottom left corner. York’s right back was causing all sorts of problems down the right flank with his overlapping runs and caused many more chances that York, luckily, didn’t take. TASC needed the half time whistle desperately.

Half time rolled around and Trinity’s 2nds were deservedly grilled by captain Ethan Woodley. The general consensus being that we were miles off the pace and deserved to be losing at the break. A switch of personnel at Half time and a tactical switch to press higher gave us a foothold in the game with the intention to force the York back four into mistakes. TASC 2nds were getting more joy as the game carried on, until they were pegged back with another goal for York – a free header in the 6 yard box. Trinity never gave up hope though, and were by far the better team in the second half, with many missed chances, including a worldie save by the keeper from a Josh Roberts header that was arrowing into the bottom left corner, and a block off the line from winger Ryan Walsh’s effort. TASC kept their pressure up and were unfortunate not to score again through a James Austin first-time strike on the edge of the area. A frustrating affair for the boys in red and black, but we can be happy with the football that we played in the second half – backed up by the referee’s praise at the full time whistle – who claimed that we were the best footballing side he had seen on that pitch.

A poor first half from TASC 2nds was punished by a clinical York side in the opening half, but a spirited second half performance proved how well we can play, and had we taken chances throughout the match, the scoreline would have been much different. In a game of should have and could have, Trinity leave East Yorkshire empty handed – on another day, we get a result.

We go again.

Written by Ryan Walsh

LEEDS TRINITY 2NDS DIG DEEP TO CLINCH THREE POINTS

13/11/19 – @RyWalshMedia

LEEDS TRINITY MENS 2NDS – 3

UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD 2NDS – 1

TASC 2nds welcomed a struggling Huddersfield side down to the Boneyard, in what turned out to be an enthralling encounter; with both sides looking for their first wins of the season. Leeds Trinity started off the stronger side within the early stages, but it would be Huddersfield who took the lead through two controversial decisions. A hit of the crossbar and a rebound resulted in a James Austin handball of the line, with the referee deeming the offence deliberate and pointed to the spot as well as issuing a straight red-carded to the TASC centre-half. A superb penalty stop from Jack Clarke-Scott momentarily sent the crowd wild, but Sulyman was on hand to tap in the rebound. 1-0 Huddersfield against the run of play.

TASC were understandably shaken, as suddenly they were behind in the scoreline and a man down after a solid start. An impromptu formation and tactical change from captain Ethan Woodley saw the 2nds set up in a makeshift 4-4-1, with wingers Ryan Walsh and Ryan Sharp being the outlets for potential counter attacks. TASC knew that they were facing an uphill battle, but this seemed to inspire the boys to put in a hearty performance. After Leeds Trinity weathered the next 10 minutes, chances started to open up as the visitors grew frustrated. A stroke of luck and an element of the referee “levelling his decisions up” enabled a break down the left hand side through Robbie Dyson battling for the ball, who laid it off for Brandon Smith to stroke home after 30 minutes, equalising the game. A frustrating goal to concede for Huddersfield, but fully deserved for TASC; who’s determination and solidity starting from the back was rewarded. Trinity’s midfield certainly played their part – with Chris Dow and It got better for the boys in red and black, as a perfectly weighted over the top ball caught the Huddersfield back 4 off guard, allowing Ryan Sharp to bring the ball down perfectly and slot an exquisite finish past the goalkeeper into the bottom right hand corner for his first goal of the season. 2-1 Trinity at half time.

A well deserved rest after 45 minutes of pure graft from the players, drinks were taken on board and the message was to stay tight, compact and disciplined in the positions for the second half – as TASC knew the Huddersfield attacking onslaught would begin.

The second half rolled around, and the fears of Trinity were soon realised as Huddersfield stepped up their intent and tempo – forcing some incredible saves from TASC 2nds No.1 Clarke-Scott. Saves that truly kept us in the game and gave the boys belief that they could achieve a result through sheer hard work. It was clear that the visitors were in the ascendancy, but discipline, efficient pressing and backs-to-the wall defending kept the scoreline at 2-1. Leeds battled hard against a physical Huddersfield side, exemplified throughout the game by everyone, but specifically Chris Dow, Matty Ingham and Wade Golland who put their bodies on the line to ensure a positive end to the game on separate occasions. It wasn’t until the 90th minute that TASC conceded a corner, in which the Huddersfield goalkeeper came up to try and level the game. Fortunately, Trinity cleared and the ball fell to Josh Roberts’ feet who took an audacious strike from the half way line and put the home side 3-1 up, causing absolute chaos amongst the players and spectators on the sideline!

A hearty performance from TASC 2nds clinched the 3 points and moves them up to 2nd in the league standings; a truly special performance on a match day that will be a reminder as to how well the team can really play.

Written by Ryan Walsh

An introduction to LTU 2nd Team Football

Hi, my names Ryan Walsh and I’m a student at Leeds Trinity University. The purpose of my word-press website is to provide you with match reports, in-depth opinions on the games from the players perspective and elements you wouldn’t normally read in a typical match report. I believe this is a unique approach as typically, match reporters don’t actually play in the game – it is a challenge I am looking forward to having a go at. Each week I will publish a match report; mainly for the 2nd team but if circumstances change, a report from any of the teams at the university will be published.

Although the season has already started, I will cover the games that I have played in already as of 18/11/2019 – up to this point it will include:

Leeds Trinity Mens Football 2nds VS University of Huddersfield 2nds

2nd Team – Squad Photo – Image Licensed to Kate Barton Photography

Thank you for reading and I hope you stay tuned with my weekly match reports!

@rywalshmedia