Junior Football: Colton overcome early jitters to secure trophy

In such an important game, nerves were understandably high for both sets of lads and the first half was a scrappy affair. But a Johan Evans goal put Colton ahead heading into half-time. The leaders came out for the second period in postive fashion, smashing in two quick goals from Sam Green and Liam Tindall.

The game looked dead and buried but a spirited fightback from Beckwithshaw saw them reduce the defecit to two goals. It was not enough, however, as Colton finished the game strongly, winning 3-1.

Manager Anthony Murphy and his players were over the moon to lift the cup in what has been a stellar campaign. Needing to win their final three games to secure promotion back to the top flight, the boys may yet have reason to celebrate once more.

With a week until both teams face each other in the League Trophy final, Kirkstall Under-17s drew first blood against Tingley. Despite strong heart from Tingley, Kirkstall ran out 4-0 winners courtesy of goals from Kamen Greaves, Ethan Mamoudi and a brace from Paddy McGill.

It’s all set for a superb final on Sunday at Garforth Town.

Yet again with only 10 players, Kirkstall Under-16s travelled to Kirk Deighton hoping to keep their 100 per cent record in the league. With Kirkstall on the back foot throughout, stand-in keeper and man of the match Brad “Dobbo” Dobson kept Kirkstall in the game. Heroics from captain Ellis Redfearn and goals from Faisal Sheikh and Rinor Ejupi (2) sealed a 3-1 win for for the 10 men.

A fine display of football from Kirkstall Crusaders Under-14s saw them run out 7-0 winners against local rivals Horsforth St Margarets.

Four goals from Aiden Croft, two for Josh Morris and a header from Kieran Croft put the game beyond doubt. It was a fine team perforamance by the Crusaders, sealing a hat-trick of wins for the club. The Under-14s are now braced for a title decider at home to Nidd next Sunday.

Leeds City Under-14s faced Barnsley in their final league game – a match that would decide who would play whom in the top-four play-off. Chances were at a premium due to the harsh weather at Wetherby with Owen Hindley the only player to threaten in the first half.

With Barnsley hardly threatening, keeper Harry Dalziel performed competently when called upon.

Leeds went one down early in the second half when the visiting side took advantage of a defensive mix up. Leeds threw caution to the wind but were unable to get the equaliser. The result was a smash and grab victory with Leeds playing the better football.

They now face Sheffield in the play-offs as well as a semi-final clash with Wigan in the Greater Manchester Cup.

James Denton’s penalty save proved to be the decisive factor as Harrogate & Craven narrowly overcame Hambleton & Richmond Schoolboys 2-1 at Green Hammerton.

In challenging conditions both teams were playing full-throttle football in the early exchanges, yet neither keeper was tested. Harrogate’s hesitancy at the back was punished after 17 minutes as the visitors broke and converted a well-executed strike.

They responded well however, creating several half chances courtesy between Freddie Dunsmore, Sam Newsome and Joe Johnson.

Indeed it was Johnson who played a hand in Harrogate’s equaliser, his low cross finding debutant striker Jack Golby, who placed it beyond the sprawling keeper.

The game’s turning point came in the 32nd minute when Hambleton were rightly awarded a penalty. Harrogate keeper Denton guessed correctly by diving to his right, and, after parrying the initial strike, remained alert enough to smother the follow-up effort.

The passage of play continued into the second period as both sides struggled to create any real threat.

With only minutes remaining and the tie seemingly destined for a draw, Max Gould played the perfectly weighted pass to Jack Parkinson, who drove the ball into the bottom corner for his second goal in as many games.