Leeds bowed out of the FA Youth cup last night, but had much to be proud of against a very strong Chelsea youth team.
Leeds started well, Frank Mulhern, the teams standout player, causing problems for the Chelsea back line. It was, however, the visitors who took the lead, Brown striking home a penalty after a reckless tackle by Centre back Vann. The goal seemed to galvanise Jason Blunts men though, and they could, and should have been in front by half time-Mulhern and fellow striker Robbie McDaid denied by a mix of poor finishing and good goalkeeping. At half time, despite been a goal down, Leeds looked the more likely winners.
The second half started even brighter-McDaid hauled down by Chelsea keeper Collins, who saw the inevitable red card,and the game looked there for the taking. However, Leeds didn't seem to pose the same attacking threat after the dismissal. Where the had been patient build up in the first half, route one seemed to be the weapon of force in the second, and Chelsea, to be fair, coped well with it. Leeds had more of the ball but didn't really look a threat-whereas they looked like scoring on every attack in the first 45.
Chelsea looked dangerous on the break, and Solanke did that late on, and scored to make the game safe.
It was a really good performance from the home side, with much to be proud of. Chelsea just had that extra cutting edge in front of goal-and that class proved to be the difference.
Final score: Leeds 0 Chelsea 2
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