Local Evening Out for Hampshire Whites

Leeds U18s beat Portsmouth U18s at Fratton Park

Leeds: Kenyon (GK), Firth (Thompson 57’), Bird, Pickles, Billett, Cresswell, Vincent (White 84’), Chadwick (C), Render (Watson 119’), Morris (Whitehead 84’), McDonald (Mills 120’). Subs not used: Wood (GK), Philpott.

The enthusiasm and skill of the players and the noise from the crowd made for a very exciting match.

Leeds started well and were rewarded with a goal after 4minutes (Render). Portsmouth scored after a mistake at the back but Leeds went in at half-time 2-1 up.

(More pies consumed by Hampshire Whites and others.)

The second half was as hardworking as the first with Leeds having the upper hand - however Portsmouth managed to score in stoppage time to take the game in to extra time.

At the beginning of extra time Bird was shown a yellow card, which as it was his second meant he had to go. The Leeds crowd showed their displeasure to the referee and even on looking at replays the consensus was a yellow was unfair. It is assumed it was for kicking the ball away but as he stated to put in the cross as the whistle went the feeling is yet again Leeds were victims of a bad decision by the ref.

The Leeds players looked even more determined to play hard although the crowd thought they showed some signs of tiring - the support did its best to lift the players. Substitute White scored a calm, confident goal to put us in the lead.

Leeds defended gallantly as Portsmouth pushed hard to get the equaliser. However on the night Leeds came out victorious!

However a good night was had by all and we hope the young players appreciated our support. Hopefully having travelled this far they will also appreciate the journey many of us do to Elland Rd on a regular basis.