Lepton Highlander’s hopes of pulling away from the relegation zone in the Under 12 section’s first division were dashed after suffering a 3-0 home defeat in an exciting meeting with title-chasing Elland.
The first half was a very even affair with both sides enjoying long periods of dominance and some excellent saves by Elland keeper Lewis Jones and opposite number Lepton’s Nathan Paxman kept the game goalless.
An Aidan Collins right wing cross fell for Bailey Answorth at the far post but his snapshot was scuffed and the ball rolled harmlessly into keeper Paxman’s arms.
Minutes later a Jonny Jones corner was met by Asha Brown who swivelled to line up a shot but, again there was not enough power to trouble the keeper.
Lepton were finding it difficult to make any progress against Eland’s solid defence of Morgan Ellis, Alex Kaye and Eddie Martin and, when Alex Rowles finally found space for a shot, keeper Jones tipped the effort onto the crossbar.
Lucas Pyke and Bradley Broadbent began to make headway as the home side took control for a period but they were unable to unlock the Elland defence and as each attack broke down it inevitably led to a dangerous counter attack from the visitors but, despite the best efforts of both teams, the game remained goalless at half-time.
The opening of the second half produced another period of Elland domination led by the tricky Asha Brown and the deadlock was finally ended when Raj Palit’s fierce shot from 15 yards rebounded from the underside of the crossbar for Collins to stab the ball home from close range.
Collins was on target to double Elland’s lead five minutes later with Raj Palit again the provider, this time with a pass across goal that fooled everyone except Collins who slotted the ball home from close range.
Some fine defending by Jack Little, Connor Carr and Lukas Coates kept the difference down to two as Elland kept the home side pinned in their own half and, relief finally arrived in the form of Nathan Stowe and MacKenzie Gill who broke Elland’s grip to start Lepton’s best period of the game.
The two midfielders set up a good chance for Rowles but the striker’s shot flew over the bar and, minutes later, and Rowles free-kick fell for Broadbent at the far post but, another chance for the Highlanders drifted over the crossbar.
The result was eventually decided when Asha Brown found Jack Whelan with a pass through the middle and the latter laid on a clear chance for Palit who capped a fine personal display by drilling the ball into the bottom corner to seal victory and three valuable points for Elland.
