6.30pm 2 June 2021
Yorkshire Amateur League, Division One
Leeds Independent 3 Shire Academics reserves 2 (att 13)
Table-topping Leeds Independent needed a win to keep their narrow cushion at the top, and got it despite a nervy finish to what had looked a comfortable evening.
Two early goals gave them a perfect a start and at that point it seemed a case of how many more they'd score. But Shire Academics grew into the game and the home side became ragged.
Well into the second half and it was still 2-0. Shire had plenty of possession but could only create half chances, and it seemed the two goals would settle the outcome.
But Shire's efforts were rewarded with a goal back after 85 minutes. Just when it looked like nerves might get the better of the home side they went straight down the other end and scored a third.
The visitors weren't done though, and as the match moved into stoppage time they netted a second goal. Both sides had chances in the closing moments, but Leeds Independent held on for three vital points.
Title challengers Leeds City, who play Independent in what could be a decider next week, can have no complaints about the effort put in by Shire Academics. They're mid-table with little to play for but you wouldn't have known that from their performance.
Leeds Independent play at the Gledhow Sports and Social Club, in a leafy north Leeds suburb. It was nice to see a clubhouse back open, as covid restrictions ease. The undulating football pitch is on the far side of a cricket square, with the boundary line crossing the pitch.
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