Competitive Woodkirk just lose out After playing top of the league last week, the Woodkirk team now faced another tough encounter against South Leeds Warriors, second in the league. The manager asked for discipline and organisation in the prematch team talk. South Leeds, in their smart England look-alike kits, started the game strongly. They penned Woodkirk into their own half for nearly 10 minutes. Shot after shot rained in on goal but excellent defending by Steele, Parry, Barstow, Stead and Gledhill kept them out. A rare respite came when Pearce and Johnson combine well to set Williamson free but the Saints' keeper was alert and came off his line well. On his goal kick he missed the ball and reclaimed it, then he punted a big kick at the second attempt straight down the middle. Everybody in midfield missed it and the South Leeds striker was quickest to react and he finished well past the Valley keeper. South Leeds' No6 showed some adept skills on the ball to release others on a couple of occasions. Some excellent corners also caused trouble in the Valley defence, Saints hitting the bar and post. Half time 0-1. In the second half Woodkirk managed to get more into the game with Davies and Gill working well on a number of occasion. Williamson also won his aerial battle flicking the ball through for Hughes and Gill. Both were unable to capitalise and beat the organised South Leeds defence. A good free kick from Parry into the penalty area was eventually claim by the keeper. Yeadon and Tindale came on as subs but the balance and shape of the team remained well organised. Steele, Parry and Stead all had excellent games marshalling the back line. Gledhill, captain for the day, had his best game since joining the club commanding his area and distributing the ball well. South Leeds hit the bar again late on. With time running out, Woodkirk won their first corner. A short corner created Woodkirk best opportunity but the pass was slightly overhit and the whites cleared it to safety. Again another excellent game. An equaliser late would have probably been unfair on SLS, but the lads from Woodkirk did themselves proud today. They face another tough game next week at home against Prospect Juniors. We look forward to your continued support. | 
