United’s U/19s can count themselves very unfortunate not to have got through their National Alliance League Cup semi final against FC Halifax Town in Leeds on Wednesday of this week with the home club triumphing in the end by 3 goals to 1.
United’s downfall was starting nervously and slowly against a very well drilled FC Halifax Town side who opened the scoring after 10 minutes when a United back pass fell short and was intercepted.
United gradually clawed their way into the game which saw them have a header cleared off the line and a shot hit the outside of the post and rebound to safety. United then lost wide man Zack Kernan to injury and his replacement Sonny Dullaway also took a heavy knock although he did manage to carry on after lengthy treatment.
A sucker punch hit United just before half time as they attacked with venom but when the attack broke down the home side broke and finished clinically although the goal looked offside there was no flag raised to aid United.
United started quickly in the second half and Davide Rodari brought a tremendous save out of the home keeper. United continued to press and had two efforts cleared off the line. FC Halifax then broke at pace down the left and Jordan Harley mistimed a tackle and was shown a second yellow card having been cautioned previously for a tackle on the same player in the first half. United was undeterred and their pressure told as Rodari headed in a Dullaway corner. United piled on further pressure and had another effort cleared off the line.
Despite United’s efforts the equalising goal just would not come and in injury time, just after having had a player sent off, the home side broke to finally secure the match and their position in the final.
A tremendous game of football played on an excellent grass playing surface at Leeds University.
The Lads and staff did HUFC proud and no doubt learned a lot especially in terms of the players starting games quicker and having the knack to be able to close games out by taking chances when they come along.
MOM for United – Davide Rodari – outstanding from start to finish.