The Development squad had their first game of the season with a visit to Harrogate Town on Saturday, 12th July 2014 at the CNG Stadium. The starting eleven was Eric Grimes; Luke Booker, Afolabi Coker, Liam Bennett, Troy Denton; Alex Purver, Kalvin Phillips, Adam Berry, Tom Lyman; Luke Parkin, Frank Mulhern. The substitutes were: Ian Malloy, Peteu Crouz, Munya Mbanje, Eoghan Stokes, Tom Pearce, Jack Vann, Jack Turnbull, Charlie Taylor. Ex Leeds Academy players, Lewis Turner and Simon Lenighan, were in the Harrogate starting eleven and former Leeds first team player, Matt Heath, was on the bench and later joined the fray. There was a crowd of 581 and after thirty-five minutes Harrogate took the lead when Jack Walshaw headed in from a Lloyd Kerry corner. Trialist Luke Dean was lively after he came on and in the fifty-ninth minute he scored with a powerful shot that Eric Grimes failed to hold. Louis Swain should have made it three but he headed over from a Craig Nelthorpe corner. Leeds were the stronger of the two teams in the latter stages and Piteu Crouz got in their first shot on goal in the seventieth minute but it was no challenge to the Town keeper, Peter Crook. Munya Mbanje then created two chances and with the first he forced Peter Crook to make a fine save low down and the second rebounded from the crossbar. All the Leeds substitutes had a run but Harrogate were worthy winners on the balance of play. The Harrogate Substitutes were: Goalkeeper Peter Crook for Phil Barnes, 12 Craig Nelthorpe for Rhys Meynell, 14 Trialist Luke Dean for Simon Lenighan, 15 Dominic Rowe for Lloyd Kerry, 16 Eddie Birch for Shane Killock, 17 Trialist Louis Swain for James Walshaw, 18 Matt Heath for Dave McGurk, 19 Trialist for Ryan Kendall, 20 Matt Bloomer for Lewis Turner, 21 Trialist for Ashley Worsfold, 22 Rob Hiza for Adam Nowakowski.
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Match Report: Wetherby News: by Ed White: 12-07-2014
James Walshaw helps Harrogate Town to Leeds United double
The newly-assembled Harrogate Town squad kicked off their pre-season campaign by easing past Leeds United Under 21s 2-0 at the CNG Stadium. Goals either side of half-time gave Town a 2014 double over their neighbours, having beaten them 3-1 in January. New signing James Walshaw headed home his first goal in a yellow and black shirt midway through the opening half. Triallist Luke Dean, making a return to the CNG Stadium after leaving just over a year ago, then smacked home a second to seal a comfortable victory.
The Leeds youngsters managed to hit the frame of the goal late on, however the temperature of the match never rose to the levels of the weather. The match was nothing more than an exercise for Simon Weaver’s Harrogate Town, with United sending a squad of players all under 20. The supporters were presented a first opportunity to see the pack of new signings Weaver has made over the summer as the gaffer named a strong 11 for the first 45 minutes. Eight new recruits lined up next to old boys Ashley Worsfold, Adam Nowakowski and Shane Killock, with Jake Speight the only summer recruit missing. Prior to kick-off, both teams and the 581-strong crowd paid tribute to former Town goalkeeper Stuart Fountain in a minute’s silence. Fountain, who made a record 308 appearances for Town as a goalkeeper, passed away last week. Following the silence, Town made the better of the early possession and, on a pitch narrowed by three metres each wing, they caused problems from wider areas. Simon Lenighan, playing against the team that released him at the end of last season, almost scored with his first touch in a Town shirt, but his drive canoned into a defender’s chest and out for a corner. From the resultant delivery, Worsfold rose well to head onto the cross bar before midfielder Lloyd Kerry blazed the rebound high over the changing rooms.
Town’s new defensive pairing of Killock and former York City man Dave McGurk kept the unexposed Leeds side at bay. The visitors regularly showed neat touches and good technique, but lacked a killer instinct to break through their more experienced rivals. The hot conditions made for a relaxed feel to the first half, and new Town goalkeeper Phil Barnes rarely touched the ball in his first appearance. After the mid-half drinks break, Town eventually made the breakthrough. Walshaw found himself in the right place at the right time, as he so often did in Altrincham’s promotion campaign last year, and he nodded in Lloyd Kerry’s corner. Both managers made wholesale changes at the interval, with a mix of youngsters and trailists causing the usual pre-season “Who’s Who” game on the sidelines. Dean, returning to Town after a spell at Bradford Park Avenue, played behind former Harrogate Railway forward Louis Swain, with Dom Rowe attacking from a wide left position. The midfielder was lively, and got his reward on 59 minutes when a powerful strike went through Leeds stopper Eric Grimes’ grasp. Minutes later, Swain, on trial after his release from Bradford City at the end of last year, could have made it three but he headed wide. Leeds finished the stronger of the teams, and Piteu Crouz hit their first shot on target with 20 minutes to go - however reserve keeper Peter Crook collected it easily. Zimbabwean talent Munyaradzi Mbanje then carved out two opportunities, as he forced Crook into a low save before crashing another onto the crossbar. The energetic Swain then dribbled past two Leeds defenders before sending a shot-cum-cross right across the box. Substitute Mbanje was often in the thick of United’s attacking play, and after turning out of a tight space down the left-hand side, he forced Crook to tip over a brilliant shot destined for the top corner. In reply, Town should have turned the score into a rout as Dom Rowe found space in the area, only to lash over after Swain’s drive was blocked.
Match Report: Harrogate News: by John Harrison: 13-04-2014
The new look Harrogate Town started their programme of pre-season friendlies with a comfortable win over a youthful Leeds United XI. Before the match a minutes silence in memory of Stuart Fountain, ex Harrogate goalkeeper, who passed away earlier in the week was impeccably observed. In the opening seconds, Adam Berry did well to divert Simon Lenighan’s sidefoot for a corner and soon afterwards, Ashley Worsfold headed against the Leeds crossbar. Leeds were under constant pressure and Rhys Meynell foraged forward to cross for Worsfold to head over. Afolabi Coker was having a fine game at the heart of the Leeds defence,but he was powerless to prevent Town taking a 35th minute lead when James Walshaw headed home a Lloyd Kerry corner. Leeds were making little headway against a strong Town rearguard in which the new centreback pairing of Dave McGurk and Shane Killock were outstanding. Half time saw the usual influx of substitutes and on the hour ex Town favourite, Luke Dean cut in from the left and unleashed a shot which Leeds keeper, Eric Grimes, could only parry into the net. Louis Swain headed a teasing Craig Nelthorpe corner over the top, before Leeds began to exert some pressure. A clever turn and shot by Piteu Crouz tested Peter Crook and Munya Mbanje rattled Town’s crossbar from 30 yards. As the final whistle approached, it was Town who had two late chances,with Swain shooting across goal and Dom Rowe firing over from close range. Scorers: James Walshaw 35, Luke Dean 60. Att 581
Harrogate Town: Walshaw 35 Dean 59: Phil Barnes: Lewis Turner, Dave McGurk, Shane Killock, Rhys Meynell; Lloyd Kerry, Adam Nowakowski, Simon Lenighan; Ashley Worsfold, James Walshaw, Ryan Kendall. Substitutes: Goalkeeper Peter Crook for Phil Barnes, 12 Craig Nelthorpe for Rhys Meynell, 14 Trialist Luke Dean for Simon Lenighan, 15 Dominic Rowe for Lloyd Kerry, 16 Eddie Birch for Shane Killock, 17 Trialist Louis Swain for James Walshaw, 18 Matt Heath for Dave McGurk, 19 Trialist for Ryan Kendall, 20 Matt Bloomer for Lewis Turner, 21 Trialist for Ashley Worsfold, 22 Rob Hiza for Adam Nowakowski.
A sundrenched CNG Stadium saw not only Harrogate Town's new strip make its debut but the vast majority of Simon Weaver's Summer signings take the field, the only name of note absent was striker Jake Speight who picked up an ankle injury in training. The game started with Town on the front foot with midfielder Simon Lenighan blasting just wide and soon after Ashley Worsfold rattled the Leeds woodwork with a powerful header. Leeds United who was mainly comprised of their Under 21 side, were finding it hard to make inroads past midfield although Kalvin Phillips was in the thick of things and was trying to act as an outlet for his wingers. Simon Lenighan's powerful runs were proving to be the perfect foil for Lloyd Kerry's clever little touchesand it was this combination that allowed Lloyd Kerry to lay the ball off to James Walshaw. Wally's deft little through ball just eluded Simon Lenighan and the ball trickled over the touchline. Lloyd Kerry soon turned provider again and it was his pinpoint cross that found James Walshaw, however, the striker's header just flew narrowly over with goalkeeper Eric Grimes covering his post well. At the other end Phil Barnes was having a quiet time, although he did have to respond quickly to get to a Rhys Meynell back pass before Tom Lyman got there. Leeds tried again and a deep cross by Adam Berry found Frank Mulhern waiting but former United player, Lewis Turner, was in the right place to deflect the ball wide. Town surged forward and Rhys Meynell's whipped cross was met by Ryan Kendall, but again the ball went wide of the post. Leeds' goal was beginning to look charmed and James Walshaw's powerful strike on the turn was just deflected wide with Eric Grimes well off the pace. James Walshaw was proving to be a handful and his run into the area was only halted by a last ditch tackle from the impressive Afolabi Coker. Town eventually took the lead in the thirty-fifth minute when Lloyd Kerry's corner eas met by James Walshaw and his header flew past Eric
Grimes into the net. It was the goal that Town deserved for all the pressure they had exerted. A couple of minutes later and it was nearly two for Town. Finding plenty
of space down the left Rhys Meynell fed Ryan Kendall, who placed a cheeky little lob onto Ashley Worsfold's head but again the final effort flew just wide. Tom Lyman was
working hard up front and a lovely turn left Shane Killock flat-footed, but defensive partner, Dave McGurk, was alert and managed to tackle the youngster. The second half
started with a raft of substitutions for Town and this stalled their momentum for a while. Adam Nowakowski was involved in a tangle with Piteu Crouz to give United's
youngsters an early free-kick just outside the area. However, a training ground routine was defended well by the wall and Town were able to break. Leeds were having a bit
more joy in the new half coming forward and Luke Booker was acting as an outlet down the right side, it was his pace that was starting to cause Matt Bloomer trouble, but
the experienced campaigner was able to match the youngster. Craig Nelthorpe was the next Town player to try his luck but his shot screwed high and wide as he was put
under pressure by Afolabi Coker. In the fifty-ninth minute former Town player Luke Dean doubled the lead when he broke free and powered his shot past Eric Grimes and
into the net.It is possible that the goalkeeper should have done better but it was a fierce shot. The final sub for Town happened in the sixty-fourth minute whwn Rob
Hiza was introduced for Adam Nowakowski, straight away the youngster was in the thick of it when he tangled with Booker just outside the Town area. Piteu Crouz finally
managed to get a Leeds shot on target, much to the amusement of the travelling fans, but his snap shot was straight at Peter Crook and the custodian collected the ball
easily. Buoyed on by this United's sub Munya Mbanje produced a lovely turn and twenty-five yard shot that forced Peter Crook to turn the ball behind with a full-length
dive. The resultant corner was easily dealt with by Matt Heath. Munya Mbanje was proving to have an eye for goal and as a Matt Heath header fell to him, he quickly
returned a dipping shot that flew wide of the target.Town had two glorious chances to increase their lead but Dominic Rowe's cross was just narrowly missed by a trialist,
while Rowe himself was guilty of the miss of the match when he blazed over from the penalty spot when he had plenty of time. At the other end, Booker had the best chance
for Leeds in the final minutes of the game when he turned Rob Hiza in the area an shot from an acute angle. His effort was just palmed over by the fingertips of Peter
Crook, but the run and turn deserved a goal.
Match Report: Yorkshire Evening Post
The newly-assembled Harrogate Town squad kicked off their pre-season campaign by easing past Leeds United Under 21s 2-0 at the CNG Stadium. Goals either side of half-time gave Town a 2014 double over their neighbours, having beaten them 3-1 in January. New signing James Walshaw headed home his first goal in a yellow and black shirt midway through the opening half. Triallist Luke Dean, making a return to the CNG Stadium after leaving just over a year ago, then smacked home a second to seal a comfortable victory. The Leeds youngsters managed to hit the frame of the goal late on, however the temperature of the match never rose to the levels of the weather. The match was nothing more than an exercise for Simon Weaver’s Harrogate Town, with United sending a squad of players all under 20. The supporters were presented a first opportunity to see the pack of new signings Weaver has made over the summer as the gaffer named a strong 11 for the first 45 minutes. Eight new recruits lined up next to old boys Ashley Worsfold, Adam Nowakowski and Shane Killock, with Jake Speight the only summer recruit missing. Prior to kick-off, both teams and the 581-strong crowd paid tribute to former Town goalkeeper Stuart Fountain in a minute’s silence. Fountain, who made a record 308 appearances for Town as a goalkeeper, passed away last week.
Following the silence, Town made the better of the early possession and, on a pitch narrowed by three metres each wing, they caused problems from wider areas. Simon Lenighan, playing against the team that released him at the end of last season, almost scored with his first touch in a Town shirt, but his drive canoned into a defender’s chest and out for a corner. From the resultant delivery, Worsfold rose well to head onto the cross bar before midfielder Lloyd Kerry blazed the rebound high over the changing rooms. Town’s new defensive pairing of Killock and former York City man Dave McGurk kept the unexposed Leeds side at bay. The visitors regularly showed neat touches and good technique, but lacked a killer instinct to break through their more experienced rivals. The hot conditions made for a relaxed feel to the first half, and new Town goalkeeper Phil Barnes rarely touched the ball in his first appearance. After the mid-half drinks break, Town eventually made the breakthrough. Walshaw found himself in the right place at the right time, as he so often did in Altrincham’s promotion campaign last year, and he nodded in Lloyd Kerry’s corner. Both managers made wholesale changes at the interval, with a mix of youngsters and trailists causing the usual pre-season “Who’s Who” game on the sidelines. Dean, returning to Town after a spell at Bradford Park Avenue, played behind former Harrogate Railway forward Louis Swain, with Dom Rowe attacking from a wide left position. The midfielder was lively, and got his reward on 59 minutes when a powerful strike went through Leeds stopper Eric Grimes’ grasp. Minutes later, Swain, on trial after his release from Bradford City at the end of last year, could have made it three but he headed wide. Leeds finished the stronger of the teams, and Piteu Crouz hit their first shot on target with 20 minutes to go - however reserve keeper Peter Crook collected it easily. Zimbabwean talent Munyaradzi Mbanje then carved out two opportunities, as he forced Crook into a low save before crashing another onto the crossbar. The energetic Swain then dribbled past two Leeds defenders before sending a shot-cum-cross right across the box. Substitute Mbanje was often in the thick of United’s attacking play, and after turning out of a tight space down the left-hand side, he forced Crook to tip over a brilliant shot destined for the top corner. In reply, Town should have turned the score into a rout as Dom Rowe found space in the area, only to lash over after Swain’s drive was blocked.
