ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Leeds Maccabi 2nd XI's first game of 2013/14 was to prove a tricky one, as last year’s Crumpsall had disbanded and reformed as Reich Insurance Rangers.
The last time we saw a Crumpsall side was in the final of the Tony Cohen cup, where Leeds were victorious, so there was obviously going to be some competitive spirit.
Leeds started the game positively, holding possession and dominating the play with some good passing moves. Some good running on the flanks led to the first goal, when a superb 40-yard ball linked up both wingers, playing in Mark Korn on the edge of the area, to put Leeds 1-0 up at the half-hour mark with a clinical strike.
Six minutes later, Johnny Goldstone doubled the lead, finishing a fine bit of play from the right wing.
Both teams had chances to increase their tally during the first half, but stalwart efforts from both goalkeepers kept the score 2-0 at the half.
The second half opened with good play in the centre and strong challenges forced all midfield players to up their game. A defensive lapse allowed Reich a little too much time on the ball and his shot was just out of Leeds keeper Marshall Frieze’s reach. Reich brought the score back to 2-1, 10 minutes into the half.
Leeds made a couple of strategic changes, to hold the play, but Reich’s subs proved stronger, as they managed to break through the midfield to slot in their striker, to level the score with 12 minutes to go.
A few missed opportunities and some really solid defending kept the score level at the end of the 90, where both teams could have taken all three points.
Leeds will learn from their mistakes and make sure that we take our experience away to FC Cosmos next week.
Leeds' Alex Ullmann told JC Sport: "Taking a point from our first game is a promising start to our season. There is obviously work to be done, but as we develop our squad over the coming weeks, we aim to establish ourselves as real contenders this year."