Match Report
Match Report - 26 Nov 2011, Old Modernians Football Club 3rds beat Leeds City OB
Old Mods………7 (seven)
A. Binns
T. Hill
B. Bowman
M. Keeney
T. Stenger (pen)
M. Sproats
A. Rowe
Leeds City……..1
The visit of Leeds City certainly brought out the supporters to include Mr & Mrs Stenger and they braved the elements in their droves as the Tinsill Top attendance easily broke the double figures mark.
The short trip across to Otley Old Road must have seemed a daunting one for Leeds City, but in the opening moments of the game they were given an early Christmas gift, as a error at the back allowed the visiting midfielder to clip the ball into an empty net. It was a good finish, but marked the only the 3rd goal conceded in the league and the first time in league or cup this season that Mods have been behind in a game.
It was the perfect start for the visitors, some would say that they scored to early and with almost the entire game still to play there was no real cause for concern. The games neutrality was restored by Adam Binns who grabbed his customary goal with his first chance. Good midfield work allowed Tim Hill to play in the speed merchant Binns who thundered home a right footed finish from an acute angle. With the scores level Mods really started to take the game to their opponents and where ahead in no time. Ben Bowman’s free kick was too hot to handle for the Leeds City stopper and Tim Hill was in the right place to put the Mods in front following a minor scramble in the 6 yard box. Continued, unrelentless pressure from Andy Hicks team saw several chances created and subsequently spurned, but Mods could smell blood and knew their was more goals to be had in this one.
Ben Harold Bowman took the plaudits himself when he fired a half volley in from the edge of the area in the last meaningful act before the interval, this goal certainly made the managers team talk slightly easier. The second half began and the it was clear that Leeds City’s manager had really got into them during his 15 minutes with the players, they had their best spell of the game for the next 10 minutes, but still without ever creating any clear cut chances. Any hope of a Leeds City fightback was extinguished when Mikel Keeney was presented with one of the easiest goals he’ll score when he latched onto a centre from the impressive Adam Binns. It was Binns involved again as he broke free down the right, cutting across the defender in the box, only to be brought down, a decision gave the referee no other option than to award a penalty. Fans favourite Tommy Stenger, sparked scenes of pandemonium amongst the supporters as he stepped up and delightfully despatched the spot kick, sending the keeper the wrong way. Mrs Stenger (Keeney think's she's fit as a butchers dog) has never seen her son score (a goal) and a special note should go to Ben Bowman who gladly relinquished his penalty taking duties in order to fulfill Tom's mothers dreams. Bless!!
All credit to Leeds City who knew they were beaten but continued to perceiver and nearly got some joy, had it not been for the Damian Dawtry, who was fully extended to keep out a low drive from 25 yards out. Ashton Rowe was introduced, replacing Tim Hill, meaning Mike Sproats was pushed into midfield, his excursions further forward soon beard fruit as he cleverly guided the ball over the onrushing keeper from a tight angle to make it 6-1.
Sammy Lunt was replaced my the now “Player-Manager” Andy Hick in the last 10 minutes. Lunt has been improving game on game in his new position of right back as he eases his way back from injury. Hick main reason for inclusion was his throw in technique, a skill which he demonstrated beautifully, playing in Stenger, who in turn put Keeney one on one, the perennial dribbler took 4 touches too many with the goal gaping, allowing a combination of keeper and defender to clear. The goalscoring was completed by Ashton Rowe who volleyed home from a corner, the defender is in a rich vein of scoring at the moment and is a must have for any fantasy football team.
With 7 goals, and 7 different scorers, it was a pleasing day’s work for the Modsmen, a special mention must go also to the non-scoring players. Jodie Lazenby was terrific at full back again, his versatility and hunger to win is a unrivalled. Sammy Lunt displayed a fantastic understanding of marriage between his defensive and attacking responsibilities. Dan Bradford is a defender that loves to defend, he showed again why he is part of the meanest defence in the league. Stu Astel can count himself unlucky not to be on the score sheet himself today, but played a key role in the build up to several goals. Finally, even though Andy Hick only had a 10 minute cameo, it was evident throughout the entire 10 minutes that he changed the course of the game as Leeds City were definately on top and almost single handledly averted the Mods first defeat of the season.
Old Modernians Football Club 3rds 7 - 1 Leeds City OB