The Leopards welcomed New Road for the second Sunday in a row as they aimed to extend their advantage in second place.

The hosts were without Luke, Benni, Ben, Callum, Joseph and Zach. So Ollie May was called up in nets and Tommy cheekily deployed in a False 9 position. This meant we had 11, while our opponents had 10 this week!

The Leopards started superbly and opened the scoring after just 6 minutes, as Phillip sped down the inside right channel and squared across goal for that Tommy Balls to shin it home from close range.

The visitors continued to pose a threat on the break but the back 3 of Josh, Peter & Brick were being physical and defending well.

The hosts extended their lead just before the interval, as Phillip cut in from the right and was dispossessed but the ball ran to Jack who found Phillip who had continued his run. He drove into the box and coolly slotted past the keeper.

Into the Second Half, and the visitors reduced the deficit as their forward broke into the area from the left and slid underneath Ollie May.

The Leopards then extended their lead with a well worked goal, Phillip cut in from the left before reversing a pass to the overlapping Joe, he unleashed an absolute rocket into the far top corner of the net.

The hosts continued to have the territorial advantage as their forward broke midfield of Connor, David, Jack & Joe moved the ball nicely.

Paul then went close to extending our advantage as he cut in from the right, beat 3 defenders before curling an effort just over the bar.

Then Phillip had a number of chances to the result beyond doubt but was denied by some excellent keeping and some wayward finishing! And was also denied by the crossbar with an excellent curling effort.

But the Leopards defended with their lives chucking themselves in the way of everyone cross and shot to hold on for the 3 points.

Parents Player: Josh;
Coaches Player: David.

Coaches Thoughts
When I thought we only had 10 players this morning, I was fearing the worst. But these 11 boys were superb today, they battled so hard for every single ball and showed those moments of quality when it mattered to finally get the 3 points.
Just 2 games left to secure that 2nd place that we deserve!